The Lancaster County Community Foundation on Wednesday announced the award of $275,000 in grant funding to six organizations involved in the arts.
The round of awards is the first of four planned as part of the foundation's "Shaping Tomorrow" initiative. Offered to celebrate the organization's 100th anniversary and "support future-looking community impact," the Shaping Tomorrow is awarding more than $1 million.
The "Creative Expression" awards were announced during a reception and celebration at Rock Lititz, and are as follows:
- The Mix: $65,000 to expand the Ripple Creators initiative to five more middle schools. The program makes recording studios and creative space available to students.
- Prima Arts: $65,000 for the Beloved Community Project, which will offer performance space, workshops, sponsorship and support to artistic professionals of color.
- Children Deserve a Chance Foundation: $60,000 for Poetry Cubed, an initiative developed by Thunda Khatt to bring public art and poetry to Lancaster neighborhoods.
- YWCA Lancaster: $50,000 to expand Black Artist Waystation, allowing a monthly showcase of local Black artists for two years.
- Demuth Foundation: $25,000 for renovations of the foundation's building, providing a dedicated space for community gatherings and educational programs.
- Mainspring of Ephrata: $10,000 for a community mural.
"We are honored to support the work of so many impactful organizations that bring innovation and creativity to Lancaster County,” foundation President and CEO Sam Bressi said.
Dave Koser, the foundation's director of programs, said a selection committee chose the grant recipients from among 23 applications.
"Creative expression has been and always will be our superpower," said Rob Barber, chief creative officer for Atomic Design, one of the Rock Lititz partner companies.
Next month, the Community Foundation will host a reception and panel discussion on "Creative Expression in Our Communities in partnership with the High Foundation and The Spark, WITF's current events talk show. It will run from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 18, at the S. Dale High Leadership Center, 1861 William Penn Way, Lancaster. The panel discussion will be moderated by The Spark's Marquis Lupton.
Succeeding rounds of Shaping Tomorrow will focus on Well-Being & Vibrancy; Next Generation; and Our Planet. In all, the foundation anticipates awarding $1.25 million through the initiative.
The Well-Being & Vibrancy grants will be announced during a community health and wellness fair taking place from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 20, in Lancaster's Buchanan Park.
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