Chautauqua County has established a 3% occupancy tax program for the purpose of promoting, developing, and protecting the area’s tourism industry.
Donor Name: Chautauqua County
State: New York
County: Chautauqua County (NY)
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline (mm/dd/yyyy): 10/01/2022
Grant Size: $2,500 to $10,000
Details:
Through this grant program, it is was deemed important to establish programs and opportunities to promote or support the development of specific themes or significant attractions and events that enhance the level of visitor experience in the area. Examples include new or expanded attractions; unique festivals/events; projects that support tourism aspects of the County Comprehensive Plan, County Greenways Plan, and Economic Development Strategic Plan; and initiatives in town/city/village areas that will attract greater numbers of visitors to the area.
A portion of the occupancy tax is intended to provide grants for projects that will achieve and/or support the following types of projects:
- Event Development and Marketing Projects
- New or enhanced events that are non-duplicative, unique, and demonstrate appeal and outreach to visitors from outside the county; and
- New or enhanced marketing activities aimed at stimulating additional overnight visits to the County.
- Attraction/Destination Development and Enhancement Projects
- Predevelopment: Feasibility studies; conceptual planning; small area plans; business plans; cost analysis; design; pre-engineering; engineering; and, grant writing; and
- Development: Acquisition of property or fixed assets; construction; and working capital.
Funding Information
Project awards typically range from $2,500 to $10,000, and will not exceed $10,000.
Eligibility Criteria
- Awardees may only receive funding for up to three years for a specific project, and must reapply each year for said funding. Applicants may apply for more than three years of occupancy tax funding; however, only for a new/significantly different project.
- Grant applicants must demonstrate fulfillment of a need in terms of attracting visitors to the area.
- Project funding must be matched with a minimum 1 to 1 commitment with at least 50% of the applicant’s match being cash
For more information, visit Chautauqua County.
