Harford Awards Nonprofits $645K in FY25 to Support Tourism

Harford County has awarded 15 nonprofits a total of $645,500 to support tourism with a focus on increasing the number of overnight stays. Funding for the grants comes from the county’s 6% hotel tax.

According to the Maryland Office of Tourism, an overnight visitor has 12 times the economic impact of a day-tripper, including lodging, meals and shopping at area businesses.

Following an application process, tourism grants were awarded for the 2025 fiscal year in two funding categories, the Partnership Fund and the Harford Strides Fund.

Harford’s Partnership Fund encourages nonprofits to plan events together to draw guests to stay overnight or longer. Recipients in this category are as follows: Bel Air Downtown Alliance, $80,000; Havre de Grace Decoy Museum, $85,000; Havre de Grace Maritime Museum, $25,000; Highland Community Association, $70,000; Maryland Center for the Visual and Performing Arts, $57,000, and Steppingstone Museum, $70,000.

The Harford Strides Fund provides funding to tourism-related nonprofits for operational or programmatic costs as a bridge to future sustainability. Organizations may only receive this funding for two consecutive years; afterwards, they are eligible to apply for the Partnership Fund.

Nonprofits receiving funds in this category are: Concord Point Lighthouse, $20,000; Harmer’s Town Art Center, $30,000; Havre de Grace Arts Collective, $10,000; Havre de Grace Colored School and Cultural Center, $40,000; Hosanna School Museum, $50,000; Rockfield Foundation,
$25,000; Susquehanna Museum of Havre de Grace, $28,500, and Susquehannock Wildlife Society, $55,000.

“Tourism is a good investment for Harford County that boosts our small businesses when visitors stay, dine, and shop locally,” County Executive Cassilly said. “Our tourism program is a win-win that supports itself through the hotel tax and grows local attractions to keep visitors coming, drive economic activity, and enhance our own quality of life.”