The Leon County Division of Tourism (Visit Tallahassee) is accepting applications for its 2026 Special Events Grant Program.
Donor Name: Visit Tallahassee
State: Florida
County: Leon County (FL)
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 08/07/2025
Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000
Grant Duration: 1 Year
Details:
A ”Special Event” is defined as “a new or existing organized concert, exhibition, festival, fair, conference or celebration which is conducted according to a prearranged schedule and of interest to the general public”. For the purpose of this grant program, the public interest should extend to Tallahassee/Leon County residents and to those living outside Tallahassee/Leon County who would visit the destination and stay overnight to observe or participate.
The intent of the Special Event Grant Program is to provide funding assistance for events that attract overnight tourists to Tallahassee/Leon County and create business for the commercial lodging industry that collect TDT, (hotels/motels, condominiums, shortterm vacation rentals), as well as restaurants, retail establishments and other tourism related business activities.
Funding Information
Recommended Tourism Special Event Funding Levels (Based on Room Nights)
- Less than 100 room nights: $0 – $2,999
- 100 – 199 room nights: $3,000 – $5,999
- 200 – 499 room nights: $6,000 – $10,499
- 500 – 1,000 room nights: $10,500 – $17,499
- 1,001 – 1,499 room nights: $17,500 – $26,250.
Grant Period
Event must take place between October 1 and September 30 of the upcoming fiscal year.
Allowable Expenses
- Promotion, marketing and paid advertising/media buys that reach outside Tallahassee/Leon County with potential to drive overnight visitation.
- Event production and technical expenses.
- Site fees/costs (venue rentals, insurance).
- Contract help such as performers, judges, and parking attendants.
- Rights fees, sanction fees, non-monetary awards, and travel expenses for guest speakers, performers, judges, event officials, or referees including lodging.
Eligibility Criteria
- Non-government organizations must be registered with the Department of State, Division of Corporations.
- Government entities, including public schools, colleges, and universities.
For more information, visit Visit Tallahassee.
