Cultural Alliance
Welcoming Communities Grants
The Cultural Alliance Partners with Downtown Inc to administer funding for diverse and welcoming community events in York City, Pennsylvania.
about
How To Get Started
Whether an event is a brand new idea, or is entering it’s 25th year, Welcoming Communities grants help to build social cohesion through inclusive community events located in York City. Note: There will unfortunately be no Welcoming Communities grants in 2026 for York County or Hanover.
Individuals or organizations may apply for up to $2,000 per event.
Eligibility
- Individuals or organizations may apply. Applicants are NOT required to be a 501(c)3.
- New programs and events, as well as established events are eligible.
- Events must be held between May 1, 2024 and May 1, 2026.
- Events must be open to the public at no cost.
Create foundant profile & submit Letter of Interest
Login to Foundant & submit LOI to determine if your event is eligible for funding. This should take 5-10 minutes.
Preview the York City Letter of Interest
Submit full application for funding
You’ll be notified via email if your event is eligible and you are invited to fill out the full grant application.
fill out the grant award agreement
If selected, you’ll be notified via email, and will need to log in once more to fill out the grant award agreement. Payments are made via either bank transfer or check.
FAQ
Additional Information
Timeline Overview
- · Letter of Interest portal opens Monday, February 3, 2025.
- Deadline to submit Letter of Interest is Monday, March 3, 2025, at 5pm ET.
- Selected applicants will be invited to fill out a Full Application by Friday, March 7, 2025.
- Full applications are due Monday, March 24.
- Applicants will be notified of funding decision and grants will begin disbursement in April 2025 (pending completion of grantee paperwork).
Eligibility Guidelines
- Individuals or organizations may apply. Applicants are not required to be a 501(c)3.
- New programs and events, as well as established events are eligible.
- Events must be held in York City between May 1, 2024 and May 1, 2025.
- Events must be open to the public at no cost
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.
Award Acknowledgment Guidelines
-Tagging the appropriate social media accounts in social media posts about the opportunity for which funds were granted (Cultural Alliance, Downtown Inc/Main St. Hanover)
-Usage of appropriate logos on printed promotional materials (Cultural Alliance, Downtown Inc/Main St. Hanover)
-Usage of the appropriate logos on digital platforms including websites (Cultural Alliance, Downtown Inc/Main St. Hanover)
-Announcement of the grant receipt before or after performances relevant to the opportunity
Opportunities for vendor tables at Welcoming Communities funded events are also appreciated whenever possible.
Acknowledgement logo’s will be provided to grant recipients.
Additional Questions?
Email Rita at rita@culturalyork.org
2024 York City Recipients
2024 Hanover Recipients
