The City of Bellingham is accepting applications for tourism grants for events and projects to promote tourism and cultural activities within the City.
Donor Name: City of Bellingham
State: Washington
City: Bellingham
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 09/01/2023
Size of the Grant:
- Start-Up Grant: $5,000
- Standard Grant: $2,500 – $25,000
Details:
The tourism grant program offers a start-up grant opportunity for events or projects that are less than three years old as well as a standard grant application for longer-running events. Special consideration is given to events that occur during the off-season (between October and May), events that are offered in partnership with other agencies and events to reduce duplication of activities.
Purpose
This is an opportunity to apply for funds to provide seed money for your new event or marketing funds for ongoing events. The purpose of this grant is to increase economic activity in the City of Bellingham resulting from Tourists. Ideally, putting heads in beds (hotel stays). Funding is limited to activities which draw tourists to Bellingham.
City support for funded projects is reimbursement-based. No funds will be provided in advance in support of a project.
Types of Grant
- The Start-Up Grant: They offer a Start-up Grant for those events or activities that are three years young. This allows you to utilize funds for more than just marketing. You can put some funds toward eligible operating expenses which are limited to venue rentals (i.e. conference rooms), equipment rentals (i.e. cones, traffic signs, etc.), a portion of rent (must be proportionate to the event), and/or the purchase of goods/supplies with prior approval by the City. For example, payroll, travel, alcohol and equipment expenses are NOT allowed. Final decisions by the City on allowed operational expenses will be identified in the contract, and all expenses must be incurred and paid during the contractual period with appropriate back-up documentation available.
- The Standard Grant: This grant is for those events or activities who are over three years running. Eligible operational expenses are limited to venue rentals (i.e. conference rooms), equipment rentals (i.e. cones, traffic signs, etc.), a portion of rent (must be proportionate to the event), and/or the purchase of goods/supplies with prior approval by the City. For example, payroll, travel, alcohol and equipment expenses are NOT allowed. Final decisions by the City on allowed operational expenses will be identified in the contract, and all expenses must be incurred and paid during the contractual period with appropriate back-up documentation available. NEW for 2024: No cap on operational expenses.
Funding Information
- Start-up grants have a maximum of $5,000 funding
- The Standard grant does not have a limit however generally funding amount ranges between $2,500 – $25,000.
Marketing Requirements
RCW 67.28.080 defines a tourist as people travelling:
- For business or pleasure staying overnight in paid accommodations,
- To a place 50 miles or more one way from their place of residence or business or
- From another country or state outside of their place of residence or their business.
For more information, visit City of Bellingham.
