Dickinson County adopts $30,000 '250' community grant program to support local events

The Dickinson County Board of Commissioners voted to create a one‑year community grant program, branded around a county "250" celebration, with a $30,000 budget to support local events and projects.

Under the program approved by the commission, micro grants will range from $500 to $1,500 and community project grants from $1,500 to $3,500. Staff and economic development partners outlined a preference for organizations and municipalities that have an established history of running events, but the application will be open to other nonprofits and unincorporated community groups.

Staff described a public survey used to shape the guidelines: of 50 respondents, 32 supported the program, 9 opposed it and 9 requested more information. Suggested projects included parades, concerts, fireworks and heritage festivals. Commissioners discussed ways to distribute funds across cities and smaller communities to ensure geographic balance.

Applications will be made available online beginning March 1 with a March 31 deadline; the EDC will host application materials and staff will convene a small review panel to recommend awards to the commission. Branding materials and a program logo were presented to the commission, which favored an option that foregrounded the program name and county identity.

A motion to approve the program, its budget and the grant tiers was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.

What’s next: Staff will publish the application, convene the review panel, and return recommendations to the commission for final award decisions.