RDA Start-Up Event Grant Program Winners Announced
February 1, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RDA Start-Up Event Grant Program Winners Announced
Distributes $31,500 to 9 Organizations to Enhance Downtown Vitality
ROCHESTER, Minn.— The Rochester Downtown Alliance (RDA) is pleased to announce the winners of the 2024 Start-Up Event Grant and its new 2.0 program. With the combined support from Destination Medical Center and the RDA, nine organizations have been awarded a total of $31,500 to organize and produce some new and some returning community favorite events.
“The winners of this year’s competitive grant process will definitely increase the variety of events and vitality of downtown throughout the entire year,” said Kathleen Harrington, RDA Interim Director. "From new events, such as regularly scheduled yoga and a puzzle tournament, to the return of community favorites such as Latino Fest, Family Fun Day, and Divine Disco, this year's winners will offer something for everyone and add to the long list of 'lots to do' in Downtown Rochester."
“The winners of this year’s competitive grant process will definitely increase the variety of events and vitality of downtown throughout the entire year,” said Kathleen Harrington, RDA Interim Director. "From new events, such as regularly scheduled yoga and a puzzle tournament, to the return of community favorites such as Latino Fest, Family Fun Day, and Divine Disco, this year's winners will offer something for everyone and add to the long list of 'lots to do' in Downtown Rochester."
The Start-Up grant awardees include Unity Yoga, Games by James, Burly Bluffs and Out Rochester, Alliance of Chicanos, Hispanics, and Latin Americans (ACHLA), Calliope Theater Company, and Autism Resource Guide. Most of these events will be right on Peace Plaza, in the Chateau, or in The Castle.
The Start-Up grant awardees include Unity Yoga, Games by James, Burly Bluffs and Out Rochester, Alliance of Chicanos, Hispanics, and Latin Americans (ACHLA), Calliope Theater Company, and Autism Resource Guide. Most of these events will be right on Peace Plaza, in the Chateau, or in The Castle.
As part of its ongoing efforts to increase the vitality of downtown, the RDA has created the 2.0 Program to provide additional support to previous Start-Up grantees to help grow and expand the positive impact of their events on the vitality of downtown. This year’s winners include Med City Arts Festival, Songwriters in the Round at Treedome, and Rochester Thaw. These events will receive either some financial support or technical assistance.
As part of its ongoing efforts to increase the vitality of downtown, the RDA has created the 2.0 Program to provide additional support to previous Start-Up grantees to help grow and expand the positive impact of their events on the vitality of downtown. This year’s winners include Med City Arts Festival, Songwriters in the Round at Treedome, and Rochester Thaw. These events will receive either some financial support or technical assistance.
“The Start-Up and 2.0 Programs are designed to strengthen the capacity of local organizations to design and create varied events for Downtown visitors and residents,” said Will Forsman, RDA Board member and owner of Café Steam. “These important programs support RDA’s mission of increasing the vitality of Downtown.”
“The Start-Up and 2.0 Programs are designed to strengthen the capacity of local organizations to design and create varied events for Downtown visitors and residents,” said Will Forsman, RDA Board member and owner of Café Steam. “These important programs support RDA’s mission of increasing the vitality of Downtown.”
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About the Rochester Downtown Alliance
The Rochester Downtown Alliance is a nonprofit corporation comprised of a broad range of people representing property owners, business leaders, the city and others with a shared goal of enhancing the business and economic climate in the downtown district.
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