CAEDC Awards Nearly $550,000 in Tourism Grants for 2025; 2026 Grant Applications Now Open

Cumberland Valley, PA – The Cumberland Area Economic Development Corporation (CAEDC), through the Cumberland Valley Visitors Bureau, has awarded more than $547,000 in tourism grants to eight local projects in 2025. Building on this momentum, CAEDC has officially opened applications for the 2026 tourism grant cycle.

In 2025, CAEDC offered three tourism grant programs: the Tourism Recovery Grant, Tourism Product Development Grant, and Destination Sales Grant. These programs supported initiatives designed to attract visitors, enhance local attractions, and strengthen the tourism economy throughout Cumberland Valley.

Notable 2025 award recipients include:

Tourism Recovery Grant

• Williams Grove Historical Steam Engine Association received a $5,819 grant to replace a 40-year-old sound system.
• Denim Coffee was awarded a $10,000 grant for new furniture, a water filling station, butcher-block table tops, and additional enhancements.

Tourism Product Development Grant

• Midway Bowl received a $133,709 grant for lane renovations, an outdoor area, new windows, and an ADA-accessible door.
• The Event Cafe was awarded a $76,586 grant for ADA accessibility upgrades and structural improvements.
• Jubilee Cake Studio received a $87,020 grant to add indoor playhouses, amusement equipment, and LED displays.

Destination Sales Grant

• New Cumberland Olde Towne Association received a $120,000 multi-year grant for the Iron Bridge Festival to support entertainment and event expenses.
• Carlisle Family YMCA was awarded a $24,155 grant for the Carlisle Crush Volleyball Tournament, supporting field maintenance and facility upgrades.
• Innovation Management Consulting LLC received an $89,812.50 multi-year grant for the PA Gospel Fest in Shippensburg to cover artist fees and related expenses.

Carlisle Family YMCA COO Justin Rose stated “Receiving this grant enabled us to implement key changes that directly fueled our growth. We were able to strategically enhance tournament services, introduce family attractions, and involve more local vendors—all of which elevated the experience for participants and visitors alike.”

To see how CAEDC’s tourism grants are making a difference, explore success stories like Carlisle Crush and the Downtown Carlisle Association’s 2024 beautification project, both of which showcase how local partnerships help elevate Cumberland Valley’s tourism landscape.

In addition to the eight awarded projects, six additional applications, totaling over $449,000 in grant award requests, are still in review for the 2025 grant cycle.

2026 Tourism Grant Opportunities

Beginning Thursday, November 6, 2025, CAEDC invites local businesses, nonprofits, and event organizers to apply for 2026 tourism grant funding. Three distinct opportunities are available:

• Tourism Product Development Grant – Supports physical product development projects seeking between $25,000 and $500,000 for creating new tourism experiences, including construction, furniture and fixtures, equipment and more.
• Tourism Partnership Grant – Offers funding from $2,500 to $10,000 for smaller-scale product development projects aimed at expanding tourism products, experiences, or services that attract overnight visitors to Cumberland Valley.
• Destination Sales Grant – Provides $3,000 to $10,000 for multi-day event expenses, including bid fees, facility or shuttle rentals, speaker or performer fees, and marketing or advertising costs.

Tourism grant applications are reviewed and approved quarterly, and the final deadline to apply for 2026 grants is November 6, 2026.

To learn more about CAEDC’s tourism grants, including eligibility, timelines, and application guidelines, click here.