Cumberland Valley, Pa. (June 29, 2026) –
The Cumberland Area Economic Development Corporation (CAEDC), through the Cumberland Valley Visitors Bureau, has awarded $768,384 in tourism grant funding to support six projects across Cumberland County.
The funding is part of CAEDC’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the region’s tourism economy by creating new visitor experiences, supporting local businesses, and investing in attractions and events that draw travelers to the Cumberland Valley. CAEDC’s 2026 Tourism Grant Programs opened in November 2025 to include the Tourism Partnership Grant, Tourism Product Development Grant, and Destination Sales Grant.
A list of awarded projects from the February round is below:
2026 Tourism Product Development Grant
- Carlisle Family YMCA received a $500,000 grant to implement upgrades critical to increasing the facility’s ability to host multi-day competitive youth and collegiate aquatic meets and events. Upgrades cover mechanical, building, user experience, and safety improvements. Formerly known as Keystone Aquatics, the Carlisle Family YMCA purchased this facility in 2025.
- Carlisle Sports Emporium received a $98,623 grant to purchase commercial kitchen equipment that will allow the facility to elevate the visitor experience. Equipment includes a pizza oven, as well as high-volume cooking appliances.
- Carlisle Regional Performing Arts Center received a $115,192 grant to install professional acoustic sound paneling to complete the final phase of the Carlisle Theatre’s technical modernization. This is part of a larger project that includes building restoration, safety and facility upgrades for ADA compliance and building and infrastructure upgrades. The technical upgrades will allow the Carlisle Theatre to attract touring acts with larger visitor draws.
2026 Tourism Partnership Grant
- Northern York County Historical & Preservation Society was awarded a $2,954 grant for two interpretive waysigns at Dill’s Tavern highlighting Revolutionary War figures, Thomas Campbell and Edward Cavanaugh. The signs will serve as a touchpoint for visitors following Patriot’s Path, a Revolutionary War trail, launching June 30, 2026.
2026 Destination Sales Grant
- Carlisle Crush received $26,615 to help fund the 2026 Carlisle Crush Volleyball Tournament. This is the third year the event has received a grant. The grant will help fund the field prep including painting all of the courts, center logos and advertisements. It will also fund the nets, portable bathrooms, bleachers, tables and chairs as well as enhancements to the fan experience.
- Daytona Motorsports was awarded $25,000 to host The American Flat Track Williams Grove Half Mile. The event was originally scheduled for Memorial Day Weekend, but was postponed until July 11th at Williams Grove Speedway in Mechanicsburg. American Flat Track is the premier dirt track motorcycle racing championship in the United States. The Destination Sales Grant will cover Track Prep and Facility Ops (including equipment rentals and EMS services), Event Marketing and Creative and the Event Experience (trophies, podium, etc.).
“We are incredibly thankful to CAEDC for recognizing the impact the Carlisle YMCA Aquatic Center has on both our community and the regional economy” said Carlisle YMCA CEO, Michele Holloway. “This funding will help us make strategic improvements that enhance our ability to host competitive swimming events, attract visitors to Cumberland County and provide a world-class experience for athletes, coaches and spectators. We are proud to partner with CAEDC in advancing opportunities that benefit our entire region.”
Since the program began in 2010, more than $4.9 million in tourism grant funding has been awarded to 243 projects.
“These grants represent more than an investment in individual organizations. They are an investment in Cumberland Valley’s identity as a destination” said Laura Delaney, Director of Tourism and Marketing at the Cumberland Area Economic Development Corporation. “Every competitive swim meet, every live performance, every tournament that comes to our region brings visitors who spend money in our hotels, restaurants and shops. That ripple effect is exactly what these programs are designed to create, and we are proud to support the organizations making it happen.”
The next round of Tourism Grant Programs will open in August 2026. The most recent round of grant applications from May are currently being reviewed and will be announced in the coming weeks.
To learn more about CAEDC’s tourism grants, including eligibility, timelines, and application guidelines, visit cumberlandbusiness.com/tourism-grants.
About CAEDC
CAEDC is Cumberland County’s lead certified economic development organization charged with leveraging and promoting Cumberland Valley’s economic development and tourism assets to drive growth, create jobs and improve the quality of life. Offices are located at 230 S. Sporting Hill Road, Suite 100, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050. For more information, visit www.cumberlandbusiness.com and www.visitcumberlandvalley.com.
