Montgomery County launched a Wheaton Community Access Program (WCAP) on Friday, Feb. 16, offering $75,000 for fee reductions to community groups seeking to host events at facilities.
Modeled after similar initiatives in Silver Spring, WCAP lowers reservation costs for community groups using local government facilities and venues. The initiative aims to make it possible for groups facing financial constraints to afford to rent these venues.
“We want to support organizations doing business in Wheaton, and the creation of the Wheaton Community Access Program underscores our commitment to that,” said County Executive Marc Elrich in a press release. “Reducing facility fees will help community-based groups defray costs so they can focus on developing and funding programs that impact our community and residents.”
Community groups working to improve or positively impact the community are eligible to apply. Organizations can get priority if they also contribute to the growth of the Wheaton Arts and Entertainment district.
The WCAP review committee evaluates applications on a rolling basis. WCAP gives consideration for financial needs to user groups that can demonstrate their event positively impacts the community.
“We have outstanding and beautiful public spaces in Wheaton, and lack of funds should never be an obstacle for our local organizations to use those spaces to move Wheaton forward and more vibrant for all,” said County Councilmember Natali Fani-González in a press release. “That’s why I’m thrilled to see the Wheaton Community Access Program becoming a reality to close the financial gap.”
