2024 Tompkins County Community Celebrations Grant

The Tompkins County Community Celebrations Grants program is designed to enhance the quality of life within the county by supporting events that promote community understanding, strengthen identity, and offer informative, educational, and enjoyable experiences. This initiative directly aligns with the county's mission to foster a vibrant and cohesive community by empowering local groups and municipalities to celebrate their cultural heritage and diverse interests. The program seeks to create a more engaged and connected populace through shared experiences, contributing to the overall well-being and civic pride of Tompkins County residents. The primary beneficiaries of these grants are nonprofit organizations with 501(c)3 status and municipalities located within Tompkins County. The impact goals include fostering community cohesion, celebrating cultural heritage, and providing accessible, enriching events for all residents. The program prioritizes events that are endorsed by a municipality or community group, commemorate the cultural heritage of Tompkins County, and take the form of festivals, fairs, or events recognizing specific communities, neighborhoods, or cultural interests. Examples of supported events include International Mud Day, the Brooktondale Apple Festival, GIAC Festival of Nations, and the Latino Civic Association Annual Picnic, demonstrating a commitment to a broad range of cultural and community celebrations. The grants range from $500 to $2,500, with a larger "Size of the Grant" indicated as $1,000 to $10,000, suggesting flexibility in funding depending on the scope and impact of the proposed event. The grant activity period typically runs from November 2024 to April 2025, ensuring that funded events occur within a defined timeframe. Eligible funding uses include supporting local artists, performers, or cultural programmers, promotion and marketing efforts, professional services necessary for a successful event, educational materials, and reusable banners or promotional items. This comprehensive approach to funding ensures that events are well-resourced and can achieve their objectives effectively. The expected outcomes of the Community Celebrations Grants program are increased community engagement, a stronger sense of local identity, and enhanced cultural understanding among residents. Measurable results could include attendance figures at funded events, participant feedback on event quality and impact, and the number of diverse cultural groups represented. The foundation's strategic priority is to invest in initiatives that directly contribute to the social and cultural vitality of Tompkins County, operating on the theory of change that by supporting inclusive and celebratory events, the county can cultivate a more harmonious, knowledgeable, and enjoyable environment for all its citizens.