NEWPORT, Ore. — Newport’s Oregon Coast Aquarium, the BAY Music Association and Lincoln City’s Cascade Head Music Festival each received holiday checks from the PacifiCorp Foundation for Learning.

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

Newport’s Oregon Coast Aquarium received $10,000 from the Foundation to help fund onsite theater and laboratory programs for school groups. In addition, complimentary educational materials will be provided to all classes taking self-guided tours of the facility. Budget constraints and physical distance keep many Oregon schools from visiting the Aquarium, so educators will travel to schools throughout Oregon to deliver marine science programs to K-5th grade students.

The Foundation also provided a $1,000 grant to the Bay Music Association’s Young Musician’s Program of the Ernest Bloch Music Festival. The Young Musicians’ Program is an intensive one-week program for high school music students that emphasizes music composition and provides an introduction to contemporary music under several of the nation’s premier music instructors. According to the association, students selected for this program are gifted musicians, but have generally not had the opportunity to explore their interests in music composition.

Lincoln City’s Cascade Head Music Festival, which received a $1,000 grant, brings world-class music and music education opportunities to the Oregon Coast. The Foundation is helping fund the festival’s Friday Encounter sessions, which will be held this coming June 9, 16 and 23. It allows musicians and audience members to discuss the music and the period instruments played during the festival’s two nightly concerts. There is no admission charge for the sessions.

“When community budgets become tighter, arts programs often suffer,” said Andy MacRitchie, PacifiCorp executive vice president and Foundation board member. “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.”

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 .