Visit Vicksburg’s Tourism Grant Program (TGP) is an annual allocation designed to enhance visitor and tourism promotion efforts in Vicksburg.
Donor Name: Vicksburg Convention and Visitors Bureau
State: Mississippi
County:
City: Vicksburg
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 11/30/2023
Size of the Grant: not exceed $5,000
Grant Duration: 12 months
Details:
TGP provides funds for marketing and other qualified expenses for projects/events that fulfill Visit Vicksburg’s mission and ultimately, increase overnight travel to Vicksburg.
Eligible applicants for funding include an organization/event/project whose objectives is to promote Vicksburg’s tourism industry to out-of-town visitors by generating overnight travel and economic stimulus to the city. The target audience should be outside the immediate Vicksburg area (over 50-mile radius or out-of-state). Qualifying entities may be attractions, associations, organizations, or governmental agencies which promote their event, products and/or services to visitors from outside the area. Qualified grant projects should be classified in one of the following categories:
- Festival / Event (conventions, reunions, and meetings are not eligible)
- Attraction/ Public Use Facility a. Museums, historical buildings, meeting space, sporting facilities, etc.
- Other organizations/ associations with a primary objective of promoting tourism in Vicksburg
TGP funds may be used for a variety of expenses, including traditional and digital advertising, brochures and signage, and marketing and promotional activities. Disallowable expenses include facility utilities, general operating expenses, administrative expenses (including salaries, travel, meal and lodging), loan payments, personal benefits, cash awards or expenses not directly related to the approved project, and any illegal activities.
Funding Information
Grants must not exceed $5,000 in (January 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024).
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should fulfill the following requirements:
- The project for which grant funds are requested must be primarily located in Vicksburg (includes Warren County).
- Projects should promote Vicksburg as a destination by highlighting local lodging, dining, shopping and attractions.
- The proposed project must comply with all applicable laws, permits, licenses and regulations.
- Marketing plan for the project that describes the “who, what, where, when and why” of your proposed project. The marketing plan should address objectives, strategies, tactics and action plans. Specific highlights can be found under Selection Process below. The marketing plan should also include the media schedule for promotion.
- Business plan (budget) for the project that describes the financial aspects and budgetary conditions of your project. Each project must maintain financial records to document the use of TGP funds. These records should be filed and made available for inspection by Visit Vicksburg for a period of not less than three (3) years.
- Methods of research/tracking/measurement of the project’s results. The procedure used to research the effectiveness of your advertising and promotional efforts must be included. Examples include surveys, unique URL’s, landing page for the event, etc.
- If funding is granted, the current Visit Vicksburg logo must be included on all collateral, advertisement, digital media, and signage in relation to the funded project. In addition, a hyperlinked Visit Vicksburg logo must be placed on the project website upon grant selection and must remain for a period of no less than 12 consecutive months.
- In cases where sponsorship packages are available, a sponsorship equivalent to the dollar amount of TGP funds awarded should be provided to Visit Vicksburg.
- An organization receiving TGP funding is responsible for paying any applicable taxes.
- Additional guidelines may be required on an individual project basis and will be outlined in the TGP award letter and agreement.
- Documentation of non-profit status: charter, articles of incorporation, bylaws or other proof of status (i.e. annual report on file with secretary of state).
For more information, visit Vicksburg Convention and Visitors Bureau.
