The Harford County Partnership Grant supports festivals, events, exhibits and other programming initiatives that foster collaboration between two or more organizations to attract visitors from outside the county’s borders and drive overnight hotel stays within the county.
Donor Name: Harford County Department of Economic Development
State: Maryland
County: Harford County (MD)
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 07/31/2026
Size of the Grant: Not Available
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
This grant seeks to fund experiences that combine cultural attractions, outdoor recreation, arts, heritage, sports, or other unique tourism opportunities with coordinated efforts to enhance partnerships and visitor engagement.
Eligible projects will demonstrate partnerships that align to create overnight travel opportunities by hosting events, tours, workshops, festivals, or other interactive programs or events that showcase the county’s unique offerings over an extended period that promote and encourage overnight hotel stays. These experiences should emphasize community collaboration, attract diverse audiences, an generate measurable economic impact through hotel stays, dining, and visitor spending.
Goals
- Cross-Organizational Collaboration: Having two or more organizations collaborating will enable each organization to achieve greater success
- Overnight Stay Incentives: Creating opportunities for visitors to stay overnight in the county by providing attractions, events, or packages that motivate extended visits
- Cultural, Recreational, and Experiential Offerings: Showcasing programs and events highlighting the county’s history, arts, natural assets, recreation opportunities, or culinary experiences
- Community & Economic Impact: Stimulating local economic activity by leveraging local businesses, lodging providers, and regional attractions.
Priorities
Approved applications will be funded based on the following priority order (listed from highest priority to lowest):
- Projects involving partnerships between two or more nonprofit tourism-related organizations with majority grant funds used for direct tourism-related marketing costs will receive top priority. The grant will be awarded to whichever nonprofit is designated as the lead partner. The lead partner applicant organization will apply.
- Projects involving partnerships between a non-profit tourism-related organization and a for-profit tourism-related organization with majority grant funds used for direct tourism-related event marketing costs will be given consideration. The grant will be awarded to the non-profit and must be utilized by the non-profit. No grant funds may be paid directly to the for-profit partner. The nonprofit organization will apply and receive the funds.
Eligibility Criteria
- Non-profit Organization
- GOOD STANDING with the Maryland State Department of Assessment and Taxation
- GOOD STANDING with Maryland Office of the Secretary of State, Charitable Organization Division
- Compliant with all past and current Harford County grant requirements.
For more information, visit HCDED.
