The Discover Monroe-West Monroe is currently accepting applications for its Tourism Event & Marketing Grants to increase occupancy in hotels, short-term rentals and increase attendance at attractions inside Ouachita Parish.
Donor Name: Discover Monroe-West Monroe
State: Louisiana
County: Ouachita Parish (LA)
Type of Grant: Grant | Reimbursement
Deadline: 08/05/2024
Size of the Grant: Not Available
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
The Tourism Marketing Grant Program was established to enhance the economic impact of tourism in our community. The grant is a reimbursement grant and not designed to cover the entire cost of an event. The grant funds are designed to assist any approved 501 (c) organization or non-profit with their new events or marketing for increased overnight stays in Ouachita Parish. Priority will be given to establish new distinctive, creative projects and events creating a minimum of 50 room nights that support the goals and mission of DMWM. The grants are intended to leverage DMWM resources and extend the marketing reach for Ouachita Parish.
Grant funds are from hotel occupancy tax paid by visitors who spend the night in hotels or short term rentals in Ouachita Parish. DMWM is annually audited according to the Louisiana Legislative Auditor for governmental entities. DMWM is required to report annually the results of grant funding.
Program Goals
These funds should support marketing and events that:
- Generate additional hotel or short term rental occupancy and sales tax for Ouachita Parish.
- Demonstrate a measurable tourism economic benefit.
- Attract new events and/or strengthen existing events marketing abilities.
- Enhance Ouachita Parish’s character and reputation for tourist activities.
Criteria
- The grant funds are designed to assist any approved 501 (c) organization or non-profit with their new events or marketing for increased overnight stays in Ouachita Parish.
- Tourism Grants are available to any Ouachita Parish based organization marketing their event to attract out-of-town visitors to the parish. Qualifying applications must meet the following criteria:
- Events/Marketing that generate overnight lodging, create visitor spending opportunities, and increase attraction attendance will be given preference. Targeting of increased overnights stays in off season months of January, February, August, November and December (subject to change in future) are preferred.
- A detailed description of the promotional materials, design work, and advertisement placement must be included.
- Depending on the number of applications and available funds, DMWM may only partially fund grant requests. Organizations are limited to one grant per year and per event. Organizations must have any outstanding grants completed before applying for another. Submitting a grant application does not guarantee award of funding.
- Form A is required to be submitted for request of percentage of agreed amount of payment 60 days prior to event/marketing starts.
- Form B is required to be submitted for request of final payment after 90 days of event/marketing has ended.
For more information, visit DMWM.
