PRESS RELEASE – City Announces Call for Grant Applications for the 2026 Leavenworth Fund Program

PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION
Kara Raftery (Zupke) | Communications & HR Manager
City of Leavenworth
509.548.5275 ext. 136 | media@col.dev.3sherpas.com

LEAVENWORTH, WA – July 15, 2025 – The City of Leavenworth is excited to announce the opening of the application period for the annual Leavenworth Fund Program. This vital initiative provides financial support to local nonprofit organizations and community projects that enhance the quality of life for our community and contribute to the vibrancy of our unique Bavarian-themed village.

The Leavenworth Fund is dedicated to fostering community, supporting cultural events, improving local infrastructure, and promoting economic vitality within the city. All eligible nonprofit entities with innovative ideas and impactful projects are encouraged to apply.

What’s New This Year: This year, the Leavenworth Fund is pleased to announce the implementation of an online software program designed specifically for grant applications and award tracking. This software will streamline the full grant cycle from application to reimbursement and every step in between. This improvement will simplify the application process for applicants and will significantly reduce administration efforts.

Available Funding: A total of $175,000 is available through the Leavenworth Fund Program for the 2026 grant year. Funding will be allocated across two categories: the Leavenworth General Fund with $50,000 and the Lodging Tax Fund with $125,000 available. Grants from the Leavenworth General Fund are available to nonprofit organizations for projects that directly benefit those who live and work in Leavenworth. Projects seeking Leavenworth General fund awards should aim to enhance quality of life for residents by supporting arts, education, or culture; benefiting youth, seniors, or underserved groups; improving public spaces or services; and/or promoting community health, safety, cohesion, or other local benefits for the broader community. Grants from the Lodging Tax Fund are available to nonprofit organizations for projects that directly increase travel to Leavenworth for business or leisure. Projects seeking Lodging Tax funds should aim to attract visitors to the city and encourage overnight stays, longer or repeat visits, boosting retail sales, providing tourist entertainment, and/or generating other specific short- or long-term economic benefits for the community.

Application Process: Detailed guidelines, eligibility criteria, and the online application form are available at https://col.dev.3sherpas.com/community/leavenworth-fund/. The deadline for submissions is September 3, 2025.

For any questions regarding the Leavenworth Fund Program or the application process, please contact Courtney Porter, Executive Assistant,at (509) 548-5275 ext. 127 or cporter@col.dev.3sherpas.com.

The City of Leavenworth looks forward to reviewing a diverse range of applications and continuing to invest in projects that strengthen our community.

For questions or more information, please contact Kara Raftery (Zupke) at media@col.dev.3sherpas.com.

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