The FY26 Partnership Grant offered by Harford County aims to promote collaborative programming that enhances tourism and drives economic activity by increasing overnight hotel stays within the county. Administered by the Harford County Government, the grant targets festivals, events, exhibits, and other cultural, recreational, or experiential initiatives developed through strategic partnerships between two or more organizations. The application period for this opportunity begins on March 7, 2025, and ends on May 16, 2025.

The program is designed to incentivize partnerships that create compelling visitor experiences, drawing tourists from outside the county and encouraging extended stays. Successful proposals will integrate elements such as local arts, history, heritage, outdoor recreation, culinary experiences, and sports to foster engagement, collaboration, and measurable tourism spending. The initiative explicitly supports programming that is cross-organizational in nature, seeking to combine the strengths of multiple partners to increase the success and reach of tourism events.

Priority consideration is given to applications involving partnerships between two or more nonprofit, tourism-related organizations where the majority of funds are directed toward marketing. In such cases, the grant will be awarded to the lead nonprofit partner. Secondary priority is granted to collaborations between a nonprofit and a for-profit tourism-related entity, though funds are restricted to use by the nonprofit only. In all cases, funding may not be used for daily operations or capital improvements and must be directly tied to the proposed tourism-related programming.

Applicants must provide a detailed and concise plan, including measurable objectives and anticipated economic impact. Proposals should include projections for the number of hotel rooms that will be booked as a result of the programming, demonstrate efforts to secure additional sources of funding, and submit letters of commitment from all partners. Applications will also be evaluated based on their potential to generate regional economic benefits and their alignment with the county’s tourism goals.

Reporting requirements are strict and include quarterly financial and activity reports in line with the approved budget. These reports must be supported with itemized receipts, invoices, and proof of payment for all grant-funded expenditures. Any history of non-compliance with Harford County’s prior grants may result in delayed or denied disbursement of funds, and persistent non-compliance could lead to the cancellation of future funding.

To be eligible, applicants must be nonprofit organizations in good standing with the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation and the Maryland Office of the Secretary of State, Charitable Organization Division. They must also be compliant with all prior and current Harford County grant requirements. For additional information, applicants may contact bebarresi@harfordcountymd.gov.