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Shaping Tomorrow Creative Expression Awards Announced

The Lancaster County Community Foundation announces the first round of winners of the once-in-a-century Shaping Tomorrow Awards, part of more than $1 million of additional funds to support future-looking community impact.

On March 27, at a community-led event in Rock Lititz, the winners of the Shaping Tomorrow Creative Expression Awards were announced to the public. A total of $275,000 was awarded to six local organizations that impact Lancaster County through visual and performing arts, music, poetry, and more.

“We know that the arts are an important part of creating a thriving culture and healthy economy now and into the future. Thanks to visionary funders who have contributed to the community’s endowment over time, we are honored to support the work of so many impactful organizations that bring innovation and creativity to Lancaster County,” Sam Bressi, President and CEO.

The Lancaster County Community Foundation is celebrating 100 years of community impact by looking ahead to the next 100 years. By investing more than $1 million in additional funds in four future-focused areas, the Community Foundation plans to partner with local community benefit organizations to build a more resilient, vibrant, and inclusive future for everybody in Lancaster County.

The Shaping Tomorrow Award categories include Creative Expression, Well-Being & Vibrancy, Next Generation, and Our Planet. More than $250,000 in additional funds will be awarded to multiple organizations in each category. Organizations that serve Lancaster County were encouraged to apply to these once-in-a-century award opportunities, and winners were chosen by a committee of staff, board, and community members. Organizations who will be receiving Shaping Tomorrow Awards will be revealed in events that celebrate each category and are open to the public.

Learn More About Changing The Next 100 Years

A FULL LIST OF SHAPING TOMORROW CREATIVE EXPRESSION AWARD PROJECTS ARE BELOW.

Prima Arts $65,000 In support of the Beloved Community Project, an initiative that will elevate BIPOC voices and stories by offering performance space, organizational infrastructure, fiscal sponsorship, and workshops led by BIPOC artistic professionals.
The Mix $65,000 In support of the expansion of the Ripple Creators Program, an initiative that makes recording studios and creatives spaces accessible to students, to include 5 more middle schools in Lancaster County.
The Children Deserve a Chance Foundation $60,000 In support of Poetry Cubed, a public art and poetry project concept by Tina Thunda Khatt Oritz, that will bring poetry to neighborhoods across Lancaster.
YWCA $50,000 In support of the expansion of the Black Artist Waystation to include a monthly local showcase of Black creatives for two years.
Demuth Foundation $25,000 In support of renovations to the Demuth Foundation building to create a dedicated space for educational programs and gathering place for the community to enjoy artwork together.
Ephrata Development Organization dba Mainspring of Ephrata $10,000 In support of a mural that will bring the Ephrata community together on a collaborative project while beautifying and drawing attention to an underutilized public space.