ASTORIA The 2013 grants cycle for the Clatsop Cultural Coalition is getting underway. Each year, approximately $8,000 is made available by the Oregon Cultural Trust to the local coalition to fund projects in art, music, humanities and heritage. Groups and individuals can go online to the Clatsop Cultural Coalitions website clatsopculturalcoalition.org to see this years application form and learn about the goals and work of the coalition.

Grants of up to $2,000 can be given to both organized groups and individuals. Successful applications often exhibit a broader community purpose and involvement. Cultural trust funding has gone to school music programs, theater performances, dance instruction, ballet costumes, musical instruments, speakers and even paint for a historic community building, among others. Formal nonprofit status is not required.

There will be an opportunity to get coaching on preparation of the application and to ask questions from 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 1 in the Liberty Theaters McTavish Room, located at 1203 Commercial St., Astoria. All interested parties are welcome.

Application forms are available at clatsopculturalcoalition.org. Completed applications must be received by 5 p.m. Nov. 1 at P.O. Box 864, Astoria, Oregon, 97103. Successful applicants will be notified directly and will receive their checks at an awards ceremony to be held Dec. 4.

If you have questions regarding the process or the project that you have in mind, you may contact Janet Bowler, jlbowler@charter.net or Jan Mitchell, 2janmitchell@gmail.com or go online at clatsopculturalcoalition.org