Events DC, the official convention and sports authority for the District of Columbia, today announced the largest group of award recipients of its Community Grants Program since the program’s inception.
As an active and engaged member of the community, Events DC supports the future of non-profit organizations in Washington, DC that promote youth participation in both the arts and athletics. A total of 27 organizations received grants in fiscal 2023’s first round of Community Grants which total $250,000.
Events DC accepts applications twice each fiscal year for two grant cycles. Grant amounts range from single grants of $2,500 to $25,000. The application deadline for fiscal 2023’s first grant cycle was August 1, 2022. The next cycle will be announced in December 2022.
“I have had the opportunity to meet several people who operate these wonderful programs and can see the passion they have to share their knowledge. The difference these activities make in our young people’s lives is truly remarkable,” said George T. Simpson, chairman, Events DC board of directors Community Grants & Engagement Committee. “It is truly a pleasure to be able to support so much local talent.”
Events DC received 70 applications in the first cycle totaling more than $1.5 million in requests.
Tech Turn Up, a grant recipient, is teaching students about the intersection of technology and art in their “Residency in Art” program. Through digital music, graphic design and more, the students will learn how technology can fuel and support their creative endeavors and professional goals.
Another grantee organization, the DC Youth Orchestra Program (DCYOP), has a mission is to empower young people in pre-K to 12th grade to transform their lives through music and community.
“While the true cost of DCYOP’s citywide programming averages $1,900 per child per semester, our tuition ranges from $25 to $510 to ensure affordability for low- and moderate-income families,” said Betsy Purves, DCYYOP’s director of development, who said Events DC funding supports the tuition assistance program. “Students will increase their musicianship and creativity; enhance their self-confidence, focus, initiative and accountability; and demonstrate improved discipline and cooperative learning.”
Oyé Palaver Hut’s Executive/Artistic Director Vera Oyé Yaa-Anna said, “Oyé Palaver Hut is grateful to Events DC for supporting our first Mardi Gras celebration. After a series of after school workshops on jazz appreciation for 30 children at Eagle Elementary in Ward 8, the children will host Mardi Gras for all 350 Eagle children and their families. Children study the lives and music of native Washingtonians like Duke Ellington and Shirley Horn. And they meet and hear current DC musicians like Herb Scott."
Shout Mouse Press received a grant to help students at the Latin American Youth Center afterschool program create, narrate and illustrate their own multilingual book series. The 2023 Beyond Borders Children’s Book Series will be based on the youth’s own experiences and create diverse, authentic, accessible books that affirm immigrant children, increase understanding of immigrant perspectives, and foster an inclusive next generation.
Robyn Lingo, Mikva Challenge’s chief of strategy and impact said, “With the support of EventsDC, we will hold our Citywide Project Soapbox Showcase in December, where young people from across the city will have the opportunity to share their passionate and persuasive calls to actions with key community leaders and adult allies. These powerful speeches have lasting, transformative impacts on classrooms, schools, and communities."
Applications for the second fiscal 2023 grant cycle are due February 1, 2023. Applicants will be notified of their award status by April 15, 2023.
This grant program is separate from the Events DC cultural grants program that is funded with DC Council directed funds for capital projects. An RFP for this will be issued in the weeks ahead.
ABOUT EVENTS DC
Events DC, the official convention and sports authority for the District of Columbia, delivers premier event services and flexible venues across the nation’s capital. Leveraging the power of a world-class destination and creating amazing attendee experiences, Events DC generates economic and community benefits through the attraction and promotion of business, athletic, entertainment and cultural activities. Events DC oversees the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, an anchor of the District’s hospitality and tourism economy that hosts more than 1.7 million visitors and generates more than $400 million annually in direct economic impact and the historic Carnegie Library at Mt. Vernon Square. Events DC manages the RFK Stadium-Armory Campus (RFK Campus), including Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium, Festival Grounds at RFK Campus, the non-military functions of the DC Armory and the Skate Park at RFK Stadium. Stay current on the 190-acre RFK Campus Redevelopment Project at www.RFKFields.com. Events DC also built and serves as landlord for Nationals Park, the first LEED-certified major professional sports stadium in the United States. Events DC manages Gateway DC, R.I.S.E. Demonstration Center and Entertainment & Sports Arena all conveniently located in the Congress Heights neighborhood of Washington, DC. For more information, please visit www.eventsdc.com and find us on social media – Facebook, Instagram and YouTube (Events DC), and Twitter (@TheEventsDC) — and on our new hub for live and on-demand event programming on GATHER by Events DC at www.gatherbyeventsdc.com.
