Fayetteville Dogwood Festival Receives $30,000 Operations Grant from Arts Council of Fayetteville | Cumberland County

The Fayetteville Dogwood Festival Foundation is proud to announce that it has been awarded a $30,000 Operations Grant from the Arts Council of Fayetteville | Cumberland County. This investment represents a significant step forward in strengthening the Festival's long-term sustainability and expanding its ability to serve the community year-round.

The funding has already created a meaningful impact for the organization. Through this grant, the Fayetteville Dogwood Festival Foundation has been able to pay its office rent one year in advance, providing operational stability and allowing the organization to focus more resources on programming, community engagement, and strategic growth.

Additionally, the grant has enabled the Foundation to expand its team with the addition of a new staff member, helping increase organizational capacity as the Festival continues to grow. The funding has also supported the launch of a new Volunteer Development Program designed to train, educate, and empower community members who want to play a greater role in local events and civic engagement.

"This grant is about so much more than operational support," said Kaylynn Suarez, Executive Director of the Fayetteville Dogwood Festival Foundation. "It is an investment in people, community, and the future of Fayetteville. By strengthening our foundation, we can continue creating opportunities that bring people together, celebrate local talent, support our downtown businesses, and build pride in the place we call home."

The Fayetteville Dogwood Festival Foundation has spent the last year expanding its impact beyond its annual spring festival through educational programming, volunteer initiatives, community partnerships, family-focused events, and arts and cultural experiences that are accessible to all.

The organization has several additional initiatives currently in development that will further support volunteer engagement, arts programming, community collaboration, and opportunities for local residents to connect through shared experiences.

"We believe communities are strongest when people feel connected to where they live and to one another," Suarez added. "This grant allows us to continue investing in programs that lift people up, create lasting memories, and remind us all why Fayetteville is such a special place."

The Fayetteville Dogwood Festival Foundation extends its sincere gratitude to the Arts Council of Fayetteville | Cumberland County for its continued partnership and belief in the power of arts, culture, and community-building.

For more information about the Fayetteville Dogwood Festival Foundation, upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, or sponsorships, visit the Festival's website or contact the organization directly.