Washington, DC (August 4, 2022) – Events DC, the official convention and sports authority for the District of Columbia, today celebrated the 39 winners of 2022’s Community Grants which total $500,000.
As an active and engaged member of the community, Events DC is committed to continue supporting the future of non-profit organizations in Washington, DC that promote youth participation in the arts and athletics.
“We are thrilled to honor these fantastic organizations that inspire our youth in performing and cultural arts and athletics,” said Max Brown, chairman, Events DC board of directors. “Since 2018, we are proud that we have grown the award amount from $50,000 per cycle to $250,000 per cycle.”
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.
“This is a banner year for our Events DC Community Grant Program with 39 awarded organizations—the largest group in our history. We also received a remarkable number of applications this year from many impressive groups,” said Ty Simpson, chairman, Events DC board of directors Community Grants & Engagement Committee. “These grants have helped programs expand their offerings, fund educational and athletic field trips, and kept our youth’s minds and bodies active during the pandemic.”
During today’s luncheon, guests heard from Councilmembers Christine Henderson (At-Large), Brooke Pinto (Ward 2), Events DC Board Chairman Max Brown and Events DC Community Engagement Chair Ty Simpson. They also enjoyed performance from Washington Performing Arts, Dance Loft and Hung Tao Choy Mei Leadership Institute.
One Events DC grant recipient, GALA Hispanic Theatre and its Paso Nuevo Youth Program are presenting “The Bridge,” by Argentinian author Carlos Gorostiza, an adaptation acted and produced by the young talents of Paso Nuevo. The play opens today at GALA Hispanic Theatre, located in Ward 1 at 3333 14th Street NW. The story is told in Spanish; however, it has English surtitles, making it a bilingual show.
“We are immensely grateful for the Events DC Community Grant as it helps us support all our youth's amazing work,” said Francisca Tapia, Paso Nuevo Youth Program director. “This play is the result of our six-week summer camp, in which our participants study acting, dance, music, scenery, costumes, graphic design and painting with the assistance of their teachers, getting involved in all aspects of the creation of this theatrical piece which will be shared with the community on GALA's mainstage.”
Another Events DC Community Grant recipient, The Fishing School, based in Ward 7, works with children in afterschool and summer programs and encourages parental engagement to further their student’s growth and educational performance.
“The Fishing School is proud to be an Events DC grantee. Their support throughout the pandemic has made it possible to continue serving students with engaging and active programs, which was particularly vital when we were conducting virtual programming. Our clubs – Sports Club, Fitness Club, and Do-It-Yourself Club – inspire creativity, promote teamwork, and keep our students moving throughout our program,” said Christopher Anuzis, director of development and communications at The Fishing School. “The funds provided from the Events DC Community Grant helped us continue offering our clubs curriculum to our Title-I partner schools in Ward 7. Thanks Events DC!”
Applications for fiscal 2023 cycle 2 Community Grant are due February 1, 2023.
