NORTH BEND, Ore. — The Oregon Symphony received a $15,000 grant from the PacifiCorp Foundation for Learning to support two projects: for the Community Music Partnership in Coos County, and an Oregon Symphony in the Neighborhoods concert in Portland this summer.

As the charitable arm of Pacific Power, the PacifiCorp Foundation awarded close to $205,800 to arts and cultural nonprofit programs in its service area, and donated another $13,000 in small community grants.

The Oregon Symphony anticipates serving as many as 13,000 North Bend students, teachers and community members during the second year of its two-year Community Music Partnership. $8,000 of the Foundation’s donation will support the Community Music Partnership’s implementation of sustainability plans, providing ongoing professional development for teachers, and support for local artists to work in the schools and community.

“As arts and music continue to be cut from Oregon’s education budgets, schools look to organizations such as the Oregon Symphony to provide the expertise needed to develop and implement music education programs in their schools,” said Gene Gregory, Oregon Symphony vice president. “This is especially true in rural Oregon and underserved urban communities.”

In Portland, $7,000 in Foundation funds will support Oregon Symphony in the Neighborhoods planning and performance expenses.

“We believe the arts are an important, integral part of a healthy community and a well-rounded education; so we think it’s a smart investment,” said Andy MacRitchie, PacifiCorp executive vice president and Foundation board member.

MacRitchie said that, according to research, less than 21 percent of Oregon children engage in any art form due to diminished school budgets and class offerings. The Foundation’s arts and culture grants are one of four groups of awards each year. Other award categories include education, civic and community groups, and health and human services.

The Foundation’s mission is to foster strategic sustainable learning initiatives that serve the best aspirations of individuals, organizations and communities, and that enhance and develop their capabilities to address significant challenges and opportunities.

To apply for a grant, and to review specific eligibility requirements, please go to www.pacificorpfoundation.org.