Wheaton Community Access Program (WCAP)
The Wheaton Community
Access Program (WCAP) provides funding assistance that is directly applied toward
the permitting costs of government facilities and venues in the Wheaton urban
district. The goal of this program is to facilitate affordable use by reducing
permitting costs for the user group and to ensure accessibility and inclusivity
for all. Additionally, community user groups can then utilize their kept resources
for other initiatives that will also benefit the local community.
Wheaton is an Arts &
Entertainment District - Maryland’s Arts & Entertainment (A&E) Districts are
designated areas in Maryland that help develop and promote community
involvement, tourism, and business revitalization through tax-related
incentives that attract artists, arts organizations, and other creative
enterprises.
Priority will be given to community
user groups that contribute to the growth of the
Wheaton A&E district such as: Providing programming to benefit community placemaking, contributing to the Arts
and Cultural scene in Wheaton, increasing tourism in Wheaton, or are locally
supported by a creative organization within the Wheaton Urban
District. However, all community user groups are encouraged to apply.
Funding will be considered for
organizations that meet eligibility requirements. The WCAP review committee will review and evaluate
applications. Consideration for financial need will be given to any user group
that can demonstrate their event positively impacts the
community in Montgomery County, Maryland. This program aims to support multiple
user groups and no one group’s event will be fully funded; rather, the program
will ONLY cover facility reservation costs. All other costs associated with
holding the event (e.g., facility staff time) will be the responsibility of the
applicant.
CAP has been largely successful
since its inception in 2013 at the Silver Spring Civic Building and only
continues to grow by helping thousands of user groups with affordable venue use
here in Montgomery County, Maryland. Not only does this program help level the
playing field towards attainable use for all, but it also helps establish
strong bonds with local Cultural and Arts organizations, county government, and
the community.
To see eligibility requirements,
please visit the WCAP Program Page: https://mcmdgrants.smapply.org/prog/wcap