The Explore York Board of Directors ratified these applications in March, they were then approved by the York County Commissioners on April 15, 2026.
“Tourism is a key driver of York County’s economy. It supports local businesses, creates jobs, and generates tax revenue that benefits our entire community. Through this competitive grant program, we make strategic investments in initiatives designed to enhance the visitor experience and encourage overnight stays,” said President Commissioner Julie Wheeler about the York County Tourism Grant Program.
“This grant program creates a sustainable cycle of tourism growth and economic impact across the county,” said Explore York President Laura Wagner.
The York County Tourism Grant Program has awarded more than $7 million in funding since its 2017 inception and continues to support Explore York's mission to strengthen tourism in York County. This program was established to support initiatives that enhance York County's $1.1 billion-dollar tourism industry. Grant funded initiatives aim to draw visitors from outside of a 50-mile radius into York County, generating overnight hotel stays and additional economic impact through restaurant visits and other travel & tourism related expenses.
The following eight grants were awarded:
- American Junior Golf Association ($15,000) – 2026 AJGA Junior All-Star at York & AJGA Preview at York presented by ICL Academy. A five-day, internationally attended event this July at Regents' Glen Golf Course in collaboration with Sport York.
- BAPS Motor Speedway ($28,000) – Race to York County: Superstars & Future Legends Three-Day Showcase this July featuring the World Of Outlaws tour and other youth sprint car competitions, fun for racing fans of all ages.
- Explore York ($300,000) – NCAA DIII Men's Baseball Championships 2027 – 2028, a two-year award spanning nearly two weeks of championship collegiate baseball competition at WellSpan Park with collaboration between NCAA, York College & YCEA .
- Lawilowan American Indian Festival Inc. ($15,000) – Funding will be used to bring a sought-after drum circle and to market their appearance at the two-day 19th Annual Muddy Run Powwow this September in collaboration with Steam-O-Rama, York College & Cultural Alliance.
- Mason Dixon Fair ($10,000) – Red White and Rodeo Night will add additional appeal to the existing Mason Dixon Fair this July. Grant funding assists with the rodeo costs and is in collaboration with Red Eye Rodeo, PA Fair Association, and the Hampton Inn.
- Northern York County Historical and Preservation Society ($4,910) – To develop interpretive signage for revolutionary history including two wayfinding signs and installation. Grant in collaboration with Explore York.
- Preservation PA ($10,000) – To host the Pennsylvania Statewide Conference on Heritage and Historic Preservation Awards, a three-day event this September at the Yorktowne Hotel in collaboration with YCEA, Explore York, and the Lancaster Conservancy.
- Susquehanna National Heritage Area ($10,000) – Alliance of National Heritage Areas Fall Conference and York Heritage Tour Day Event in collaboration with the York County History Center, WellSpan Park, Cultural Alliance, and Appell Center for the Performing Arts.
The York County Tourism Grant Committee includes nine appointed seats. Six of those seats are appointed by various independent organizations within the county. The committee for this round was comprised of Bryan Tate, York County Register of Wills & Clerk of Orphans’ Court; Christina McCullough, Stewart & Tate; Katie Mahoney, YCEA & Downtown Inc; Carmen Witmer, PA House of Representatives, Office of Senator Dawn Keefer; Jacob Taylor, Hanover Area Chamber of Commerce; Tyler Chronister, County of York Pennsylvania; Ophelia Chambliss, Ophelia's Making Agency; Elaine Bonneau, Bonneau & Associates; and Scott Deisley, Crispus Attucks York.
The next window for grant applications opens June 1, 2026. All grant applications require a 25% cash or in-kind match. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to schedule a consultation. Additional program requirements and restrictions are listed here. Questions about the application process may be directed to Elizabeth (Waite) Fisher, Director of Business Operations for Explore York, at Elizabeth@YorkPA.org or 717-852-9675, ext. 113.
More information about Explore York:
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, visit YorkPA.org.
The Explore York Tourism Grant Program provides all applicants with equal opportunity for funding consideration and does not discriminate based on race, gender, religion, caste, or creed.
