Tompkins County Tourism Project Grant Program (New York)

Funding Information

Award Range: $1,000 to $10,000

Eligible Activities

Projects aligned with the Strategic Tourism Plan or other tourism implementation plans are eligible for funding. Examples of eligible uses of Tourism Project Grant funds include:

• Artistic events and performances
• Heritage tourism events
• Agriculinary events
• Outdoor recreation events
• Events that attract a niche
• audience
• Festivals
• Temporary exhibits
• Guided tours
• Art installations

Eligibility Criteria

• Non-profit organizations designated as 501(c)3
• Municipalities within Tompkins County
• Applicant must have an adopted organizational policy on diversity, equity, and inclusion

Other Limitations

• Applicants must demonstrate a financial match of at least two-thirds (67%) of the total project cost. (For example, a grant application for $1,000 must demonstrate a total project cost of $3,000 or greater.) This match can be provided from the following sources:
  • Cash
  • In-kind donations of goods and professional services
  • Volunteer time only if this time would otherwise need to be replaced by paid staff time or paid professional services. Where the specific value of the service is not estimated by the provider, use an estimate of $28.54 per hour1
• With limited exceptions, the purchase of equipment with grant funds is not eligible. Grant funds can support the rental of equipment.
• Grant funds may not be used for projects whose primary purpose is fundraising for a specific cause.
• Applications that exclusively promote a religious tradition are ineligible.
• Promoted events must be open to the public. Membership in an organization must not be required to participate in the proposed event.
• Groups planning conferences or meetings in Tompkins County targeting specific interests should work through the Ithaca/Tompkins County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) to obtain conference services. Conferences and meetings are not eligible for support from this grant.
• Grant funds may not be used to cover general entertainment costs such as for theater parties, museum receptions, etc.