The Douglas County Heritage Conservation Council (HCC) has launched a new Heritage Events and Celebrations Fund program to help support community organizations that host annual events in Douglas County that celebrate, honor and uplift the county’s diverse cultural heritage. Organizations may request up to $10,000 in funding, with a total of $20,000 available in 2025. The application deadline is 5 p.m. Friday, April 11.

Eligible events must already be established within the community, occur annually, and be free and open to the public. Funding can be used for any expenses related to hosting, promoting and preparing for the event. HCC anticipates that between two and four events will be selected to receive funding.

HCC is seeking applicants who will achieve at least one of the following goals:
• Preserve and honor Douglas County’s cultural heritage.
• Enrich community life with culturally diverse arts and nature-based programming.
• Empower communities to build shared identity and culture.

"This new fund is a wonderful opportunity for organizations to continue hosting annual events that celebrate the vibrant and diverse cultural heritage of our community,” said Douglas County Heritage Conservation Coordinator Kaitlyn Ammerlaan. “While the funding is modest, we hope it provides meaningful support and inspires even more people to join in preserving and honoring our shared history."

The application is available on the Douglas County website at dgcoks.gov/hcc, along with more information about the new program. HCC plans to discuss and approve award recipients during its meeting on May 1.

The funding for the program was allocated by the Board of County Commissioners as part of the 2025 budget process.