Durham Next Launches Community Investment Program

For Immediate Release:

New Program Funds Durham-based Festivals, Events and Initiatives that Benefit Residents and Visitors 

[DURHAM, N.C.] May 8, 2026 — Today, Durham Next, a visionary community partnership for the sustainable advancement of Durham over the next 20 years, announces the launch of its Community Investment Program. Through this program, the nonprofit will partner within the community and invest in festivals, events and initiatives that strengthen the visitor economy, deliver meaningful benefits for residents and move Durham closer to realizing its 20-year vision. 

"Durham Next was established through the lens of innovation," said Tara Kenchen, executive director of Durham Next. "We're not just catalyzing new ideas. Our organization is uniquely positioned to connect our partners with the resources that allow them to sustainably scale their impact in the community. We want to continue creating opportunities for local entrepreneurs, festival producers and organizations working to find innovative ways to keep Durham vibrant, thriving and economically resilient." 

This program comprises two separate funds: 

• Accelerate: A Durham Festival Collective (Accelerate), a multi-year, capacity-building program designed to strengthen Durham's festival ecosystem by supporting a small group of high-potential, homegrown festivals. 

• The Durham Next Impact Fund (IF), a matching investment program supporting community-driven events and activations that deliver tangible benefits to residents while attracting visitors from outside of our destination.  

Applications for each of these funding opportunities will become available starting Friday, May 15 through Monday, June 15 at 12:00 p.m. Awardees for each fund will be announced later this summer. Those interested in applying can also register to attend a virtual information session to connect with the project team and ask questions about the process:  

• Accelerate Information Session #1 – May 13, 2026, 4 – 5 p.m.  

• Accelerate Information Session #2 – May 14, 2026, 12 – 1 p.m.   

• Impact Fund Information Session #1 – May 13, 2026, 12 – 1 p.m. 

• Impact Fund Information Session #2 – May 14, 2026, 4 – 5 p.m. 

About Accelerate: A Durham Festival Collective (Accelerate) 

The goal of Accelerate is to increase economic impact, improve festival capacity and sustainability and advance Durham's identity as a vibrant, inclusive and entrepreneurial destination. In this pilot year, three to five festivals will be selected for investments of up to $100,000 per year over three years. These investments will support existing festivals, cultivating their growth to increase the economic impact they create for the community. Selected festival producers will also receive wraparound services such as business coaching and growth planning support, marketing and audience development strategies and support in navigating City and County processes. 

About the Durham Next Impact Fund (IF) 

The goal of the Durham Next Impact Fund is to catalyze bold ideas and innovative experiences that contribute to a stronger, more dynamic Durham for residents and visitors alike. Durham Next will provide matching investments to eligible Durham-based nonprofits, locally owned businesses and local government entities for projects aligned with Durham Next's mission and strategic goals. Investments are awarded annually and typically range from $10,000 to $25,000 to strategically support events and activations that enhance the visitor and resident experience, drive measurable economic impact in the community and contribute to long-term viability in Durham. 

"Putting Durham on the map as the best place to live, work and visit is largely about amplifying what's already here," said Kenchen. "We're ultimately investing in the growth of our destination's cultural and economic currency. It's a point of pride for us that part of our foundational impact in the community will be made through the direct investment in the community-led activations that help make Durham even more welcoming, inclusive and dynamic." 

Primarily funded through occupancy tax revenue generated by overnight hotel stays in Durham, the investments provided through Accelerate and IF will support projects that attract visitors, create vibrant community experiences and drive economic impact. 

For additional information on the Durham Next Community Investment Program, please visit durhamnext.org/community-investment-program/ or email questions to info@durhamnext.org.