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.
Due to receipt of new funding from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Cultural Alliance of York County is pleased to announce the expansion of the Welcoming Communities Grant program to York County with two rounds of grant funding in the fall of 2022, and spring of 2023.
Welcoming Communities York County is a grant program administered by the Cultural Alliance of York County and funded by the National Endowment for the Arts. Grants of up to $2,000 will be awarded to fund arts events throughout York County which help to create community connection and foster social cohesion.
The Welcoming Communities Grant will open on January 9th, 2023 for Letters of Interest
Grant Schedule:
Letter of Interest portal opens Monday, January 9, 2023
Deadline to submit Letter of Interest is Monday, January 30, 2023 at 5pm ET.
Selected applicants will be invited to move forward to full application by February 2, 2023
Full Applications will be due February 20, 2023
Applicants will be notified of funding decision in March
Application Details:
Download a copy of the Letter of Interest questions to review ahead of time by clicking below: Welcoming Communities York County 2023 Grant Letter of Interest
