Hood River Thrives with $39K in Grants to Boost Community Projects
Picture from Hood River County Chamber of Commerce
From Hood River County Chamber of Commerce:
By Ashley Huckaby
Hood River, Ore. July 11, 2024 — Through its annual Community Investment Grant Program, Visit Hood River announces the award of $39,278 in matching funds to seven local organizations. The program supports small businesses and fosters community economic vitality in the greater Hood River area by providing matching grants for applicants that “contribute to the development and improvement of the Hood River community utilizing the enhancement, promotion, and sustainability of Hood River as a destination.”
"Visit Hood River is thrilled to see the exponential growth of the Community Investment Grant Program, from awarding $11,700 in 2022 to nearly $40,000 in 2024. The grants will support impactful projects that enhance our local economy and livability,” said Katie Kadlub, CEO of Visit Hood River. “The program will continue to support the development of new events, programs, and projects annually, ensuring a vibrant future for Hood River."
Among the recipients of this year's Community Investment Grant Program funds include:
Art of Community ($10,000): Funds will support the 2024-2026 Hood River BIG ART Outdoor Gallery.
Gorge Impact Film Festival ($3,000): Funds will support the second annual Film Festival event designed to capture the beauty of the Columbia River Gorge while engaging with thought-provoking and inspiring films.
Columbia Arts ($8,950): Funds will support the inaugural Columbia Gorge Book Festival in 2025. This immersive event celebrates writing and storytelling. The event will include author talks, book signings, classes/workshops, storytelling, gallery exhibits, and family-friendly activities.
Hood River Area Trail Stewards ($10,000): Funds will support the Hood River Area Trail Stewards’ (HRATS) for a mountain biking and recreation multi-trail rebuild.
Friends of Cascade Locks Historical Museum ($2,928): Funds will support updates to the Visitor Center to enhance the overall visitor experience.
Sense of Place ($2,500): Funds will support the development of a multimedia event called The Watershed Rock Opera. The event will feature a collaboration of musicians, scientists, farmers, tribal members, and other Gorge community members.
Wylde Wind and Water ($3,000): Funds will support the 2024 programming for Wylde Wind & Water, a non-profit created to engage people in watersports and water safety.
"Columbia Arts is grateful for the support from the Visit Hood River Community Investment Grant Program for providing funds critical to developing the first Columbia Gorge Book Festival. This celebration of reading, writing, and its impact on our lives is made possible through this program,” said Tim Harkins, executive director for Columbia Arts. “Returning visitor dollars back into the community enhances the arts for visitors and enriches the lives of those who live, work, and play here daily."
Visit Hood River's mission and purpose are to inspire and sustain economic vitality and responsible destination development as stewards of community resources in partnership with local leaders. Entrusted with public and private funds, Visit Hood River is committed to developing, executing, measuring, communicating, and providing ongoing accountability for programs designed to support a robust and enduring economy for businesses, residents, and guests.
For more information on Visit Hood River and Hood River County Chamber of Commerce, visit www.visithoodriver.com.
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