The Tompkins County is inviting applicants for its Strategic Tourism Implementation grant to support projects that substantially advance actions identified in the Strategic Tourism Plan or other tourism implementation plans or strategic priorities of the STPB.
Donor Name: Tompkins County
State: New York
County: Tompkins County (NY)
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 11/01/2023
Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000
Details:
This funding opportunity is intended to be flexible in terms of the types of proposals that will be considered which may include local tourism program and industry research priorities.
This grant is funded by Hotel Room Occupancy Tax collected in Tompkins County, NY.
Funding Information
- A total of $500,000 is available for 2023 grant awards
- Award Range:$10,000 to $100,000.
Eligible Activities
Implementation of actions identified in:
- Tompkins County Agriculinary Tourism Implementation Plan
- Tompkins County Heritage Tourism Implementation Plan
- Tompkins County Wayfinding and Interpretive Signage Plan
- Tompkins County Outdoor Recreation Tourism Implementation Plan
Eligibility Criteria
- Non-profit organizations designated as 501(c)3 or 501(c)6
- Municipalities within Tompkins County
Considerations
- Applicants should be aware of the Diversity, Equity Inclusion and Belonging Statement approved by the Strategic Tourism Planning Board (STPB). The STPB encourages applicants to consider how their programs can appeal to diverse audiences and reflect the diversity of the community.
- Applicants should have a clear understanding of all permits and licenses that will be required to complete the project.
Evaluation Criteria
Full proposals will be evaluated and scored by the Strategic Tourism Implementation grant review committee based on how well they respond to the criteria below.
- Project Readiness
- Does the proposal demonstrate readiness to use the grant funds and implement the proposed project within 12 months of being funded?
- Implements an Action in the Strategic Tourism Plan
- Does the proposal implement an action of the Strategic Tourism Plan?
- Project Benefits
- How significant is the potential for direct, measurable tourism impact in Tompkins County?
- If developed, will there be economic benefits in Tompkins County in the form of additional hotel/B&B room nights and visitor spending?
- Are the expected economic benefits likely to be realized, given other constraints or barriers?
- Are there additional significant quality of life benefits? Measurable benefits may occur in future years.
- Does the application describe how diverse populations will participate in this project?
- If the project includes marketing, does the marketing plan demonstrate efforts to attract a diverse audience?
- Project Outcome and Cost o Is the overall project cost reasonable based on the expected benefits?
- Relative to the project cost, how significant are the potential benefits?
- How appropriate are the applicant’s cost share contributions (sources and amounts) with respect to the degree of risk, potential to benefit from the work, and financial status of the proposing organization and project team?
- Organizational Capacity
- Is the proposed schedule of work clear and technically feasible?
- Does the project team have the skills and experience necessary?
- Does the project team have a demonstrated history of success in similar projects?
- Demonstration of Community Support
- Does the project demonstrate potential to leverage funds from regional, state, private, and/or local sources other than room tax?
- Are matching contributions secured?
- Has the applicant demonstrated partnerships with other community stakeholders?
- Does the proposal contain commitment letters from participants, funders, and related businesses and other organizations?
For more information, visit Tompkins County.
