Cultural Alliance

Welcoming Communities Grants

The Cultural Alliance Partners with Downtown Inc (York, PA) and Main St. Hanover (Hanover, PA) to administer funding for diverse and welcoming community events. 

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 and Hanover PA.

Applicants must apply to the location where the event will take place (i.e. York City 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, 2025.
  • 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 Hanover Letter of Interest
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 5, 2024.
  • Deadline to submit Letter of Interest is Monday, February 26, 2024, at 5pm ET.
  • Selected applicants will be invited to fill out a Full Application by Monday, March 4, 2024.
  • Full applications are due Monday, March 25.
  • Applicants will be notified of funding decision and grants will begin disbursement on Friday, April 19, 2024 (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

A woman stands inside of a doorway taking a photo of a person sitting on a stool.

2023 York City Recipients

2023 Hanover Recipients

A woman stands inside of a doorway taking a photo of a person sitting on a stool.

Past York County Grants