We are an approved cultural nonprofit with the Oregon Cultural Trust
We're delighted to announce that Friends of Washington Park & Zoo Railway has been added to the Oregon Cultural Trust's list of approved cultural nonprofits!
This is an exciting milestone for our small nonprofit and another opportunity for supporters to help restore the historic Rose Garden Loop of Washington Park & Zoo Railway.
What does this mean for our donors?
Oregon offers a unique opportunity to support the cultural organizations you love while receiving a state income tax credit.
Here's how it works:
Donate to Friends of Washington Park & Zoo Railway or another approved Oregon cultural nonprofit.
Make a matching donation to the Oregon Cultural Trust.
Claim an Oregon state income tax credit for your Cultural Trust contribution, up to $500 for individuals or $1,000 for couples filing jointly, subject to eligibility requirements.
Here's a simple example:
If you donate $100 to Friends of Washington Park & Zoo Railway and then donate $100 to the Oregon Cultural Trust, you may qualify for a $100 Oregon state income tax credit.
That means your $200 in donations could cost you just $100 after the state tax credit, assuming you qualify and have sufficient Oregon income tax liability.
Unlike a tax deduction, a tax credit reduces your state income tax liability dollar for dollar!
Supporting Oregon's Cultural Heritage
For 25 years, the Oregon Cultural Trust has helped strengthen arts, heritage, and humanities organizations across the state, supporting nearly 1,700 cultural nonprofits. Its grants and permanent fund help preserve Oregon's rich cultural heritage for future generations.
We're proud to be part of this remarkable program!
If you're planning your year-end charitable giving, please keep the Zoo Train in mind! Make your qualifying donations by December 31, 2026, to take advantage of the 2026 tax credit.
Learn more about the Oregon Cultural Trust and how the tax credit works:
https://www.culturaltrust.org/donors/
Thank you for helping us restore history, reconnect our community, and bring back the Zoo Train!