Behind-the-Scenes with Our Grant Professionals at CAEDC

International Grant Professionals Day is celebrated annually on the second Friday in March. Established in 2015 by the Grant Professionals Association, it honors and celebrates those who secure funding, manage projects, and ensure the ethical stewardship of funds.

CAEDC’s staff includes two professionals dedicated to collaborating with our partners to provide grant funding that supports economic development and tourism initiatives in Cumberland County, enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.

Getting to Know Alyssa Smith & Ashley Kurtz

Tell us a little about your role at CAEDC and how long you’ve been a part of the team.

Alyssa: I serve as the Grants Manager at CAEDC, a role I began in March 2025. My work focuses on identifying strategic funding opportunities, managing our economic development grant portfolio, and supporting local organizations and community partners in pursuing projects that strengthen Cumberland County’s economic vitality. I collaborate closely with nonprofits, municipalities, and businesses to help advance projects that create long-term community and economic impact.

Ashley: As the Tourism Development Manager, my role is to administer Tourism Grant Programs and conduct visitor research. This position was created in 2024, but I’ve been with CAEDC for 17 years! Starting as an intern, I’ve served in various roles, including visitor services, marketing, advertising, and the creation and management of our experience trails.

Their Work & Impact

What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about your job?

Alyssa: One thing people might be surprised to learn about my job is how much time I spend learning… about industries, communities, history, infrastructure, workforce needs, tourism trends, and sometimes very niche topics depending on the project. Every grant comes with its own world to understand. To write a strong application, I often have to quickly become a mini-expert, which means constant research, conversations, and digging into data. It keeps the work incredibly interesting, because I’m always discovering something new about Cumberland County and the people doing great work here.

Ashley: The Tourism Grant Programs I administer are funded by the hotel use tax. When guests stay at a hotel, bed-and-breakfast, or short-term rental, they pay the room rate, state tax, and a hotel use tax. This funding source determines which projects the Tourism Grant Programs support, focusing on initiatives that will increase the number of visitors staying in Cumberland County hotels and create new experiences to encourage them to stay longer

Can you share a recent project or success story that you’re especially proud of?

Alyssa: I assisted Vickie’s Angel Foundation with the administration and close-out of their Category 4 Local Share Account grant. They now have a bathroom on the first floor and a new conference room that gives them enough space to do what they do best: financially helping families who are fighting cancer.

Ashley: I can’t choose just one! I especially enjoy working on outdoor recreation projects that connect residents and visitors to Cumberland Valley’s stunning scenery. Since CAEDC’s Tourism Grant Programs started in 2010, CAEDC has funded over $700,000 in outdoor recreation initiatives, including the Appalachian Trail Museum, Pine Grove Furnace State Park, Carlisle Pump Track, Cumberland Valley Rail Trail, and more.

What do you enjoy most about helping our partners secure funding?

Alyssa: I enjoy the collaborative process, learning about each organization’s mission, helping them refine their project ideas, and finding the right funding match. Every partner brings a unique story and helping them tell it effectively is one of the best parts of this work.

Ashley: It’s really special to be a small part of how our partners move their projects forward. My favorite part of my job is hearing the joy and excitement our partners have when they complete their grant projects.

What’s one challenge of the grant process that people might not realize, and how do you help partners navigate it?

Alyssa: A challenge many people don’t realize is how detailed and strategic grant applications can be. It’s not just about having a great project; it’s about demonstrating readiness, community impact, long-term sustainability, and alignment with the funder’s priorities in a very structured format.

Ashley: Unfortunately, CAEDC doesn’t have unlimited funds and can’t fund every project. When our Tourism Grant Programs aren’t a great fit for a project, I try to connect partners with other funding and financing programs.

The Role of Grants at CAEDC

How do grants support CAEDC’s mission to strengthen Cumberland County’s economy and communities?

Alyssa: Grants are a powerful tool that help CAEDC leverage state funding to bring investment into Cumberland County. They support projects that create jobs, enhance our communities, improve quality of life, strengthen tourism assets, and help local organizations grow their impact.

Ashley: CAEDC’s Tourism Grant Programs are a catalyst that advances project timelines from “someday” to “now”.  Tourism projects are also beneficial to the local community. A great place to visit is also a great place to live. Each new project funded is also an advantage to residents.

In your opinion, what makes CAEDC’s grant programs valuable to local businesses, nonprofits, or tourism partners?

Alyssa: Whether it’s helping a small business expand, assisting a nonprofit with facility improvements, or supporting a tourism partner in enhancing visitor experiences, our programs fill critical gaps in funding and open the door to additional investment. We also offer guidance throughout the process, which helps organizations apply with confidence.

Ashley: CAEDC’s Tourism Grant Programs can be matched with any other non-CAEDC grant or loan program, making it easier for partners to secure matching funds. I also meet with every applicant to hear about their project, provide program highlights, and review submitted applications before they are reviewed by our volunteer committees. Especially for a first-time applicant, having an opportunity to talk through the project can be helpful.

For organizations considering applying for a grant, what advice would you give them?

Alyssa: My main advice is to start early and reach out. The strongest applications are those that are well thought out, clearly defined, and backed by solid documentation. I encourage organizations to contact us as soon as they have a project idea. We can help determine eligibility, discuss timelines, and ensure they understand what’s needed for a competitive application. Being prepared rather than rushing into the process makes all the difference.

Ashley: When completing an application, consider where the grant funds come from, what the granting organization’s goals are, and who will be reviewing the application. Framing the project within these considerations in mind will significantly help during the review process.

Personal Wrap-Up

What motivates you most about the work you do?

Alyssa: I love knowing that my role helps remove barriers for our partners and gives them the resources they need to grow, serve more people, or bring their ideas to life. Being part of that ripple effect where one successful project strengthens an entire community is what keeps me inspired every day.

Ashley: I truly enjoy meeting with partners and hearing about their passion for their work, whether in their professional or volunteer roles. It’s inspiring to see our partners turn their visions into reality.

Outside of work, what are some of your favorite ways to spend time in Cumberland Valley?

Alyssa: I love going to restaurants with my husband and son. We’re big into hot wings, so we go to different restaurants weekly to try wings and sauces. One of our favorites is Center Street Grille in Enola. I also enjoy my weekend trips to Paulus Farm Market, Talking Breads, Oak Grove Farms, and many of the local parks.

Ashley: Outside of work, I like to hike overlooks, go tubing, visit breweries, peruse shops, and attend events. There is always something to do in Cumberland Valley!

Learn More

To contact Alyssa: alyssa@cumberlandbusiness.com

To contact Ashley: akurtz@visitcumberlandvalley.com