York County Tourism Grant Committee Approves $830,700 in Funding Timely Opportunity Grants

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YORK, PA – The York County Tourism Grant Committee, Explore York Board of Directors, and the York County Commissioners approved funding for four timely opportunity applications. A timely opportunity is defined as an application for a project or event that falls outside of the program’s regular two-cycle schedule. When these types of funding requests arise, the Grant Committee treats these special circumstance requests as one-off opportunities. The Explore York Board of Directors ratified these four applications in September; they were then approved by the York County Commissioners on October 2.

“The York County Tourism Grant Program represents more than an investment in local events and tourism initiatives," said President Commissioner Julie Wheeler. "It's a pledge to strengthen our local economy. These initiatives bolster the tourism industry by creating jobs and supporting our local businesses."

The Explore York Tourism Grant Program was established in 2017. The purpose of this program is to support initiatives designed to enhance York County's billion-dollar tourism industry. Funded initiatives should aim to draw visitors from outside of a 50-mile radius, thus generating overnight hotel stays and additional economic impact through restaurant visitation and other travel & tourism related expenses.
The following timely opportunity grants were awarded: 

  1. Accountability for Life – Central PA Football Combine & Recruiting Kickoff ($15,000). This new event will function as a sports competition and college fair.
  2. Accountability for Life – 2025 York Mega Practice ($35,000). Grant funding will allow for an additional day of competition, increasing overnight hotel stays.
  3. Tyrant Wrestling – 2024 East Penn Duals ($22,000). This new event takes place at the York Expo Center and estimates 1,600 athletes and 2,000 spectators.
  4. Explore York – Sport Court Rental ($758,700). This grant is in collaboration with the York Expo Center, Courts Galore, JROTC, and event partners and includes sport court funding for events previously booked in conjunction with the Explore York sales team in 2025 through 2028.
"Sports tourism, through our Sport York initiative, is big business for Explore York and York County. Investing in high-quality sport court flooring is essential for attracting top-tier competitions," said Laura Wagner, President of Explore York. "By funding a sport court initiative, we not only ensure a safe and professional playing surface for the athletes, it continues to strengthen our position as a premier location to host future tournaments," said Wagner.

The York County Tourism Grant Committee for this round was comprised of Eric Menzer, President and General Manager of the York Revolution; Dora Polk, 92nd District Legislative Aide; Katie Mahoney, York County Economic Alliance Chief Marketing & Business Development Officer; Christina McCullough, Stewart & Tate; Sarah Messer, Hanover Area Chamber of Commerce President; Bryan Tate, York County Register of Wills & Clerk of Orphans’ Court; Tyler Chronister, York County Chief Financial Officer; Jeff Pacl, Crispus Attucks Assoc. of York, PA; and Elaine Bonneau, Bonneau & Associates.

All approved grant recipients must provide post-grant reports no later than 90 days following project completion.

The next window for grant applications opens January 1, 2025. All grant applications require a 25% cash or in-kind match. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to schedule a consultation. Questions about the application process may be directed to Elizabeth (Waite) Fisher, Grant Program Manager for Explore York, at Elizabeth@YorkPA.org or 717-852-9675, ext. 113. Additional program requirements and restrictions are listed here. 

More information about Explore York:
The Explore York Tourism Grant Program provides all applicants equal opportunity for funding consideration and does not discriminate based on race, gender, religion, caste, or creed.
Explore York’s mission is to maximize tourism expenditures and their economic impact in York County, PA, through comprehensive tourism sales and marketing programs. Explore York’s vision is for a York County where tourism is recognized for the value of its economic impact and its role in raising the profile of York County as a sought-after destination. For more information on Explore York, and the destination, call 1-888-858-9675 or visit YorkPA.org.

York County Tourism Grant Committee Approves $830,700 in Funding Timely Opportunity Grants