The Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency (WCTPA) is seeking applications for its Washington County Tourism Grant Program to support area tourism assets.
Donor Name: Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency
State: Pennsylvania
County: Washington County (PA)
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 11/16/2023
Grant Duration: 12 months
Details:
The purpose of this grant program is to increase visitation and enhance the tourism experience within Washington County. Grants will be awarded based on merit, with a strong emphasis on the project’s ability to generate overnight stays, as determined by the WCTPA Grant Review Committee and administered through the WCTPA.
Types of Grants
Non-profit entities may apply for grant funding for capital projects and/or marketing programs as defined and outlined below.
- Marketing Programs Grants: Marketing Program grant requests must primarily target non-Washington County residents. A variety of eligible tourism-related programs include development of printed promotional material, image marketing, website development/enhancement, tourism awareness programs, and specialized advertising. The Tourism Grant Program will not fund advertisements in local publications, signage or related materials in which the majority are distributed or targeted within Washington County nor within media for which the WCTPA may incorporate similar promotion.
- Capital Project Grants: Capital Project grants requests must enhance the visitor’s experience by developing new or enhancing existing Washington County tourist attractions or amenities. A variety of eligible tourism-related projects include restoration or acquisition of historic or cultural exhibits, on-site signage, and physical improvement of a tourism facility. The applicant must own or have a long-term lease/easement for the property.
Funding Period
January 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024
Eligibility Criteria
- Grants will be considered for any eligible tourism-related entity located within Washington County that submits the accompanying application for funds to promote tourism. For-profit entities may apply for grant funding for targeted marketing programs which promote a specific event or unique activity. For-profit requests for general marketing support are beyond the scope of this grant and do not qualify.
- Grants will be awarded based upon a fully illustrated campaign according to the following criteria: potential to attract overnight stays; ability to attract visitors from outside Washington County; ability to generate cross-spending; ability to attract return visits; and previous success where applicable. Consideration will be given to start-up organizations or inaugural events which demonstrate a well-developed plan of action. A Grant Budget and copy of quotes/bids for all project activities are required.
- Grants will not be awarded for staff costs, resale items, routine maintenance, standard operational or travel expenses
- For-profit entities are required to provide a 50 percent match from other funding sources which must be applied specifically toward the intention of the project for which grant funding is being requested; non-profit entities are required to provide a 25 percent match from other funding sources and/or in-kind support which must be applied specifically toward the intention of the project for which grant funding is being requested. Volunteer work for non-profit entities is valued at $20/hour and must be documented, including names, dates, duties, and hours of service.
For more information, visit WCTPA.
