Inspire Vancouver Opens First Grant Applications For Community Organizations (Photo) - 08/06/26

Vancouver, Wash. – Inspire Vancouver is accepting applications for its Innovation, Impact and Comprehensive grants, marking a major milestone in the City of Vancouver’s new Cultural Access Program. The grants provide support to nonprofits and community organizations that expand access to arts, culture, heritage and science for Vancouver residents.

Inspire Vancouver grants are open to eligible nonprofit organizations focused on arts, culture, heritage or science that are based in Vancouver or provide at least 55% of their programs within the city. Individual artists may also apply with a qualified fiscal sponsor. All grant recipients must provide public programming that benefits Vancouver residents.

Through these grants, Inspire Vancouver aims to:

• Increase public access to arts, culture, heritage and science programming in Vancouver
• Support local nonprofit organization with stable funding
• Foster innovation and creativity
• Strengthen Vancouver’s economic and cultural sectors
• Promote equity and inclusion
• Support youth education and school partnerships

The first Inspire Vancouver funding cycle will be a one-time, eight-month grant period running from November 2026 through June 2027 because the program is launching midway through the fiscal year. As a result, the program's first-year budget will be approximately $3.85 million, compared with its typical annual budget of approximately $7 million. The first-year budget supports Innovation, Impact, Comprehensive and school grant funding, as well as program administration. Capital grant applications will open in 2027, and all Inspire Vancouver grant programs will be available during the full 2027-28 funding cycle.

Grant applications for Innovation, Impact and Comprehensive are open through 11:59 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10. Grant awards will be announced in October, and funding will be distributed in November.

"This marks the beginning of a new chapter for Vancouver's arts, culture, heritage and science community," said Diana Betancourt, Inspire Vancouver program supervisor. "Many nonprofits have never had access to a dedicated local funding source like this. We're excited to launch these first grants and invest in organizations that strengthen our community, expand access and create opportunities for residents throughout Vancouver.”

To help organizations prepare competitive proposals, Inspire Vancouver encourages applicants to attend a grant workshop in August. Staff will also be available for individual proposal feedback before the application deadline.

For information about eligibility, application requirements, grant workshops and how to apply, visit www.inspirevancouver.org/. 

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City Opens Final Call For 2026 Community And Neighborhood Grants (Photo) - 07/31/26

Vancouver, Wash. – The City is accepting applications for the Community and Neighborhood Grants Program. There are 19 microgrants up to $500 each available. All awarded funds must be used during the 2026 calendar year. Apply on the City’s Community and Neighborhood Grants Program webpage by 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 18, 2026. Reviewers seek applications that:

• Meet a local need: Solves a problem or fills a gap in the community.
• Support City goals: Aligns with the City’s strategic plan and Council priorities of community safety, climate action, and equity.
• Bring people together: Builds local partnerships and brings neighbors together.
• Empower residents: Helps everyday community members make a hands-on difference.

The City is celebrating a record period of community interest in its Community and Neighborhood Grants Program. In April, the City awarded 42 grants, totaling over $80,000, to local nonprofits, youth organizations, and neighborhood associations.

This marks the largest number of grant awards for a single review cycle since the program reopened in 2023. In June, the City awarded another 19 grants to support community projects, cultural events, and neighborhood gatherings across Vancouver.

"At the heart of this grant program is a commitment to strengthening Vancouver through community empowerment and collaboration,” said Neighborhood Program Coordinator Koko Olszewski “The diverse applications we’ve received show just how many groups are working to build community in our city.”

Visit the Community and Neighborhood Grants Program webpage to see the list of 2026 recipients to date and to apply for a microgrant.

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City Opens Lodging Tax Grant Applications For 2027 Tourism Events, Festivals And Programs (Photo) - 07/30/26

Vancouver, Wash. – The City’s Lodging Tax Advisory Committee will accept grant applications for 2027 tourism-related projects and events from Aug. 4 to Sept. 20.

Grants are available for local events and festivals, tourism promotion and marketing programs that increase overnight and day-visit tourism.  Lodging Tax Grants are funded through a four percent lodging tax on hotel, motel, and bed and breakfast stays.

“These grants bring enlivening experiences to Vancouver, from festivals to community-driven tourism programs,” said Deputy Economic Development Director Chris Harder. “We’re eager to support projects that reflect our values, extend the season, and welcome visitors to our city.”

The committee will prioritize funding for events that meet one or more of the following criteria:

• Take place outside the peak summer event season (June–August)
• Occur outside of downtown Vancouver
• Support local, small businesses
• Celebrate diverse or underserved communities
• Support climate action

Applications will be evaluated based on alignment with the City’s Strategic Plan Core Values, Visit Vancouver’s Destination Master Plan, and other factors including seasonality, geography, equity and inclusion, environmental sustainability, uniqueness and economic impact.

Support for applicants

The City and Visit Vancouver are offering the following resources to assist applicants:

• Online Q&A session: Optional virtual info session will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19. Email Callie Taylor at Callie.Taylor@cityofvancouver.us to receive a meeting link.
• One-on-one consultations: Visit Vancouver is offering 30-minute appointments to help event organizers respond to visitor-related questions in the application. Book an appointment with Visit Vancouver.

For details and to apply, visit the City’s Lodging Tax Grant Program webpage.

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Fire And Arson Investigation Concludes Playground Fire Was Intentionally Set; Reward Offered For Information (Photo) - 07/20/26

Vancouver, Wash. – The Vancouver Fire Department, in cooperation with the Vancouver Police Department, has completed its investigation into the fire that destroyed the play structure at Oakbrook Park, located at 3103 NE 99^th Ave, on July 20, 2026. Fire Investigators have determined the fire was the result of arson.

Fire crews were dispatched to the park at approximately 1:24 AM on July 20, 2026, after reports of a fire involving the composite play structure. The structure was engulfed upon arrival and was declared a total loss, with approximately $100,000 in damages. No injuries were reported.

Following a thorough fire scene examination, review of evidence, and witness interviews, fire investigators concluded the fire was deliberately set and did not result from accidental or natural causes. The investigation remains open, and the Vancouver Fire-Arson Team is asking anyone with information to come forward.

Reward Offered

Through the Arson Alarm Foundation, a reward of $10,000 is being offered for information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of the individual(s) responsible for this fire. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Fire-Arson Investigation Team @ 360-798-6428 (line open 24/7). Tipsters may remain anonymous.

"Arson is not a victimless crime," said Heidi Scarpelli, Fire Marshal. "This playground served families and children throughout our community, and its loss affects everyone. We're asking neighbors to help us hold whoever is responsible accountable." The Oakbrook play structure will be rebuilt/assessed for replacement with support from the City Parks Department. Updates on restoration plans will be shared as they become available.

Community Fire Safety Tips

As part of this investigation, the Vancouver Fire Department is reminding residents of simple steps everyone can take to help keep neighborhoods and public spaces safe:

• Stay alert and report suspicious activity
• Note and report any unattended fires, unusual burning smells, or people loitering near parks, sheds, or vacant structures after hours.
• If you see something that looks like it could start a fire — piled debris, discarded fireworks, open flames near dry brush — report it before it becomes an emergency.
• Call 911 immediately for any active fire, no matter how small it appears.
• Protect shared community spaces
• Encourage neighbors to walk or drive by local parks and playgrounds periodically, especially in the evening.
• Report vandalism or damage to playground equipment promptly so it can be addressed before it escalates.
• Support neighborhood watch or community patrol programs where available.
• Reduce fire risk around your home and neighborhood
• Keep dry leaves, mulch, and debris cleared away from structures, fences, and play equipment.
• Store flammable materials (gasoline, propane, aerosols) away from high-traffic or public areas.
• Properly extinguish and dispose of cigarettes, charcoal, and fire pit embers — never leave them unattended.
• Teach children fire safety
• Talk with kids about the dangers of playing with matches, lighters, or fireworks, and keep these items out of reach.
• Teach children to tell a trusted adult immediately if they see a fire, matches, or lighters at a park or in the neighborhood.

City And National Park Service To Host A Flight Through Time At Pearson Field (Photo) - 07/15/26