During COVID-19 shut-down in 2020 and 2021, the neighborhood festivals that had traditionally brought people together, concerts, live theatre, and cultural events that provided joyful moments and pride in all of York County were canceled. As our community re-opens, we want to bring these experiences that knit our community together back to our residents. The Welcoming Communities grant program provides financial support to community events that contribute to creating a welcoming & connected community for all in York City, York County, and Hanover – through diversity, accessibility and cultural representation. Working with our community partners, The Cultural Alliance’s role is to bring our grant-making expertise, arts and culture group and artist connections, and grant program management to the Welcoming Communities program. Grant timelines, guidelines and ways to apply for the Welcoming Communities grants below. For more information, accessibility options, and questions, please reach out to rita@culturalyork.org
Event Styles for Consideration: Community-wide activities like large-scale festivals and live arts that bring different kinds of people together to share experiences and foster broader connection and understanding (of music, culture, history, language, etc.) Art-making and learning activities for adults and children that provide opportunities for hands-on or in-person growth and learning. Arts/music/culture/music/history/theatre experiences that provide accessibility to residents of various socio-economics and encourage community building and community connections in the area of York where the event is being held.
Applications for all Welcoming Communities grants will be scored on the basis of:
• Potential event impact – How will the event contribute to a hospitable community that fosters community connection, cohesiveness, and inclusivity?
• Inclusivity – Cultural diversity representation; family and age friendly; accessible to all residents and visitors while remaining free to participants.
• Event planning and management – Whether the event is in its 10th year or just launching this year, the ability to demonstrate the following will be key in the review process: a well-researched and thoughtful planning process, appropriate budget, sufficient staffing and volunteer considerations, evidence of sponsorship support if applicable, will all be taken into consideration.
The goal of the Hanover grant program is to identify and provide financial support to sustainable community events that contribute to creating a welcoming and connected community for all in the greater Hanover area (Littlestown, New Oxford, Abbottstown, Spring Grove, Hanover). This grant will provide funding to create and expand cultural and arts experiences that Hanover residents can share in and celebrate Hanover’s culture, history, and diversity that’s unique to their area and is a direct benefit to their local economy and businesses..
The goal of the grant program is to identify and provide financial support to sustainable community events that contribute to creating a welcoming and connected community for all in Hanover- through diversity, accessibility and cultural representation. Administered by the Cultural Alliance and in partnership with Main Street Hanover, the Welcoming Communities Hanover grant program has a total of $15,000 in grant funds for events taking place from May 1, 2023-May 1, 2024.
Grant Schedule:
Letter of Interest portal opens Monday, February 6, 2023.
Deadline to submit Letter of Interest is Monday, February 20, 2023 at 5pm ET.
Selected applicants will be invited to fill out a Full Application by Wednesday, March 1, 2023.
Applicants will be notified of funding decision by April 19, 2023
Grants will begin disbursement on Friday, April 21, 2023 (pending completion of grantee paperwork)
Download a copy of the Letter of Interest questions to review ahead of time by clicking below:
Welcoming Communities Hanover 2023 Grant Letter of Interest
