Winter WonderFest community grant applications due Nov. 15
Festival of Cheer, the nonprofit organization that produces Winter WonderFest, will again deliver on its promise to create a brighter future for Sussex County via its 2022 community grant program cycle. In all, $30,000 of proceeds from Winter WonderFest 2021 will be available to Sussex County nonprofit organizations to support the purchase of capital equipment.
John Snow, Festival of Cheer president, said, “Our benefit event continues to evolve at Hudson Fields and create a positive impact across our region economically, culturally and charitably. Our organization continues to improve the infrastructure offered at this beloved community fairground, and we are thrilled to invest in community nonprofits that positively serve our community.”
Organizers hoped to achieve two goals with Winter WonderFest 2021: Install over $110,000 worth of cost-saving power infrastructure to eliminate the organization’s reliance on generators, and allocate $30,000 for another community grant cycle. Thanks to many incredible sponsors and the tremendous attendance of more than 13,000 vehicles, both goals were achieved.
The Festival of Cheer board of directors will award eight to 12 grants at varying levels of support from $1,000 up to $5,000. Grant applications must be submitted by Tuesday, Nov. 15. Recipients will be publicly announced on Christmas Eve, Saturday, Dec. 24, and officially celebrated at the Winter WonderFest Family Friendly NYE Celebration Saturday, Dec. 31.
Eligible applicants must operate in Sussex County. Grants will only be awarded toward the purchase of capital equipment to support the organization’s operations in Sussex County. Grants will not be awarded to support capital campaigns.
“It’s energizing and heartwarming that over 60,000 visitors chose to support our charitable event. As we enter our festival’s seventh season, everyone on Team WonderFest is honored to create Delaware’s brightest cultural tradition to support those working to improve the culture, education, environment and health in Sussex County," said Peter Briccotto, Winter WonderFest event director.
Winter WonderFest will return to Hudson Fields with the award-winning Light Spectacular from Friday, Nov. 18 through Dec. 31.
Sponsorships are now available. Back by popular demand, fireworks will illuminate the night Dec. 31.
Since 2016, 100% of Winter WonderFest proceeds, totaling $850,000, have been directly invested in Sussex County, either to enhance the award-winning festival’s cultural impact or to philanthropically support Sussex County nonprofits via grant awards. By the completion of this grant cycle, $237,000 in grants will have been contributed to local nonprofits. The remaining proceeds were utilized to purchase an ice rink for the festival and to relocate the event to Hudson Fields.
For applications and complete details, go to festivalofcheer.org.
