2026–2027 Welcoming Communities Grant Program

2026–2027 Welcoming Communities Grant Program is sponsored by Downtown Inc.. This program, now in its seventh year, supports initiatives for welcoming communities in York City.

Downtown Inc Announces 7th Year of Welcoming Communities Grant Program | Downtown York Welcome to our blog, your go-to source for all things Downtown York. From the latest happenings and upcoming events to exciting news and developments, we keep you informed and connected. Downtown Inc Announces 7th Year of Welcoming Communities Grant Program Feb 3, 2025 | Blog , Uncategorized It’s back for the 7th year!

Whether your event is a brand-new idea or entering it’s 25th year, Downtown Inc’s Welcoming Communities Grants provide funding for free events located in York City that bring people together, celebrate diversity, and strengthen our community. Since its inception, the Welcoming Communities Grant has invested $93,000 into York City, supporting 64 events that foster connection and inclusion.

This is thanks to made the generous support of Better York, The Powder Mill Foundation, and the York County Community Foundation , in partnership with the Cultural Alliance of York County .

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 York City through diversity, accessibility, and cultural representation. Grant amounts up to $2,000 will be considered, and the average grant amount is $1,500 or less. Letter of Interest portal opens February 4, 2026.

Deadline to submit Letter of Interest is Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at 11:59pm ET. Selected applicants will be invited to fill out a Full Application by Wednesday, March 4, 2026. Full applications are due Wednesday, March 25, 11:59pm ET Applicants will be notified of funding decision and grants will begin disbursement in April 2026 (pending completion of grantee paperwork).

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, 2026 and May 1, 2027. Events must be open to the public at no cost. View full details about the Welcoming Communities Grant program, including the Letter of Interest, grant schedule, and eligibility here.

Additional questions can be directed to (717) 718-7842 or email hbeard@downtownyorkpa. com. OUR MISSION: To drive, enhance, and encourage investment in Downtown York.

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" * " indicates required fields This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. How did you hear about us? * Keep Reading About Downtown York News Sarah O’Brien joined the York County Economic Alliance as Director of Downtown Inc in April 2024.

Sarah boasts over 20 years of experience in downtown revitalization and Main Street organizational leadership. Throughout her career, she has worked for City governments, Main Street organizations, travel and tourism non-profits and has served various leadership capacities across Texas, including having served as a two-time past President of Texas Downtown.

Sarah believes community engagement is the singular purpose that connects each role and can inspire transformational change. Sarah moved to the City of York in December 2023 with her two chihuahuas Boomer & Betsy. A native Texan, Sarah has roots in York County, where her ancestors roamed the streets of Downtown York almost two hundred years ago.

Urban Revitalization Manager Bronley joined the York County Economic Alliance and Downtown Inc team in June of 2023 after seven years with the Pennsylvania House of Representatives at the office of State Rep. Carol Hill-Evans of York. During this time, he worked closely with the Representative and House Leadership to bring development funding to Downtown York and York County.

Born and raised in YoCo and a York City resident for over five years, Bronley is deeply committed to the success and vibrancy of our City and County and builds on his relationships across government, business, and community leaders to implement innovative solutions to continually make York a better place to live, work, and play.

Bronley carries out Downtown Inc’s urban revitalization strategy, which includes “clean and green” activities, historic preservation, redevelopment, public art and mural installation and management, wayfinding, bike and pedestrian improvements, and public safety as well as working across the YCEA organization to advance strategic economic development initiatives.

Bronley is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh and recently received his Masters in Public Policy and Administration from York College of Pennsylvania. Marketing & Merchant Engagement Manager Hannah joined our York County Economic Alliance and Downtown Inc team after three years at the York County SPCA developing and implementing fundraising campaigns, marketing and communications plans, and community outreach.

Hannah has become known by many through her avid support of our Downtown merchant community, her energy and enthusiasm at business ribbon cuttings and announcements, and her commitment to celebrating the success of our York community. Hannah organizes and leads the First Friday committee, manages the Welcoming Communities Grant Program, and is a lead for the Bloom Grant outreach and communication for the Downtown Inc team.

Born and raised in York County, Hannah is a graduate of York College of Pennsylvania and recently completed her Masters in Management and Leadership. Chief Marketing & Business Development Officer Katie Mahoney joined the York County Economic as Vice President, Marketing & Communications, in 2017, and began leadership of the Downtown Inc team in 2019, shortly after the affiliation.

She has an extensive career in non-profit fundraising, special events, marketing, and development, including previous roles at the Children’s Home of York, YWCA York, and Delone Catholic High School. During her time with the YCEA and Downtown Inc, Katie has launched the #MakeThingsHappen slogan, the I ❤ YoCo campaign, and the Historically Edgy re-brand for Downtown York.

Katie is secretary of the Board of Directors for the York County SPCA, and on the board of the York Symphony Orchestra, as well as marketing committees for York Day Nursery and the Farm & Natural Land Trust. Katie is a Pittsburgh-native turned City of York resident, where she lives with her beloved rescue pitbull, Cora.