The FY26 Community Impact Grant is offered by the Harford County Department of Economic Development with the goal of supporting events and initiatives that drive tourism and stimulate economic growth within Harford County, Maryland. The grant specifically targets nonprofit organizations and municipalities, enabling them to create, enhance, or expand festivals, exhibits, and similar programs that attract visitors for both overnight stays and day trips.

The funding for this program is derived from funds not utilized by the Partnership Grant program, which has funding priority. Applicants are advised to align themselves with the eligibility and goals of the Partnership Grant program to enhance their funding prospects. The Community Impact Grant is designed to help local organizations become more sustainable, foster tourism through innovative projects, and promote the cultural and recreational assets of Harford County. It also emphasizes stimulating the local economy through partnerships with area businesses, accommodations, and attractions.

Grant applications will be considered based on a priority system. The highest priority is given to direct marketing costs for tourism-related events by nonprofit or municipal entities. Following priorities include non-marketing expenses for events attracting both local and out-of-county visitors, internal operational expenses (including partial salaries) for tourism-related nonprofits, community-beneficial cultural programming by non-tourism nonprofits, and general sponsorship requests by municipalities or nonprofits.

Evaluations are based on several factors: the clarity and collaborative nature of the tourism-related proposal, potential for generating overnight stays and day trips, financial need, history of successful programming, ability to measure success, and past compliance with county grant requirements. Non-compliance with previous Harford County grants, particularly FY25 awards, may affect current funding or result in staggered disbursement.

Funding may not be used for daily operational costs or capital improvements and must directly support tourism-linked programming. Staff salaries may be partially supported, with funding percentages decreasing over consecutive years to encourage sustainability. Successful applicants are required to submit quarterly reports, including budget updates and documentation of expenses through receipts and invoices.

Applications for the FY26 cycle open on March 7, 2025, and close on May 16, 2025. Questions about the grant or the application process can be directed to Bonnie Barresi at the Harford County Department of Economic Development via email at bebarresi@harfordcountymd.gov or phone at 410-638-3059.