The Oregon State Capitol Foundation is a charitable foundation and an agency of the Oregon Legislative Assembly established in 1997 to preserve the historical integrity of the capitol and its immediate adjacent areas, to provide recognition for its individuals and events that have historic import. It makes recommendation to the Oregon Legislative Administration Committee on renovations, repairs, acquisitions, exhibits, events, other special projects, and other activities.
The history of the foundation dates back to 1991 with the Capitol Preservation Advisory Committee (CPAC) who saw a need to explore funding sources and possibilities for Capitol projects which were not funded through the regular budget process. Initially, formation of a "Friends of the Capitol" group was contemplated, and a subcommittee was formed to establish goals and objectives.
In 1996, the Legislative Administrator appointed a Capitol Endowment Task Force to study the feasibility of establishing an endowment fund to eliminate reliance on General Funds for ongoing maintenance of the capitol building and grounds. The outgrowth was the 1997 passage of Senate Bill 1220 to establish the foundation and an associated fund, board members were appointed and a strategic plan created. Since then, contributions to the fund have been made by legislative appropriations, private and corporate donors, and revenues from fundraising activities of the foundation.