The Cultural Alliance of York County’s Impact Partnership is a one-year operational support grant designed for arts and cultural organizations physically headquartered in York County, Pennsylvania. This grant is exclusively available to organizations with 501(c)(3) status that have been in operation for at least three years. The funding is intended to provide operational support, allowing grantees flexibility in how the funds are utilized within their organization. The maximum award per organization is $10,000. These grants are made possible through contributions from businesses, community members, and foundations that support the Cultural Alliance of York County’s annual campaign.

The purpose of the Impact Partner Operating Support Grant is to strengthen arts, culture, and history-focused organizations that contribute to the creative vibrancy of York County. The funding is meant to sustain and enhance the operations of these organizations, ensuring their ability to continue year-round programming and public engagement. Unlike project-based funding, this operational grant provides recipients with the ability to allocate funds toward their most critical needs.

Organizations seeking funding must first submit a Letter of Interest (LOI) through the Foundant Grant Portal. If selected, organizations with budgets of $100,000 or more must complete a full written application, while those with budgets under $100,000 will undergo an on-site review instead of submitting a formal application. The site visit involves meeting with the CAYC Allocation’s Chair and a panel of reviewers to assess the organization’s work and financial needs. Funding decisions are made based on an Allocation Panel Score, which determines award amounts up to the maximum $10,000 cap per organization.

To be eligible, organizations must be incorporated in Pennsylvania, hold a 501(c)(3) status in good standing, and have a primary mission centered on arts, culture, or history. They must also be operational throughout the year and provide programming to the community. Applications will be reviewed competitively each year, with funding awarded based on merit and impact.

The application process follows a structured timeline. The LOI submission period opens on January 13, 2025, and closes on February 17, 2025. During March and April, panelist reviews and site visits take place, with full applications due by March 31, 2025, for those required to submit them. Funding decisions will be announced in May 2025, and grant funds will be disbursed in April 2025.

Recipients of the grant must acknowledge the Cultural Alliance of York County’s support by tagging them in social media posts, displaying their logo on promotional materials, and mentioning the grant in announcements related to funded activities. Organizations are encouraged to incorporate these acknowledgments creatively across their digital and print materials.

For further inquiries, applicants may contact Rita at Rita@culturalyork.org or visit the Cultural Alliance of York County’s office at 2 W Market St., Floor 2, York, PA 17401.