The Whatcom County is accepting applications for tourism promotion grants to promote eligible tourism and cultural activities next year.
Donor Name: Whatcom County
State: Washington
County: Whatcom County (WA)
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 09/05/2025
Size of the Grant: Not Available
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
This grant program is supported by a tax on eligible hotels and lodgings and is used to bring tourists and economic activity to Whatcom County.
The Whatcom County Lodging Tax Advisory Committee has recommended the following funding priorities:
- Funding the primary Destination Marketing Organization (DMO), Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism, as the lead agency responsible for marketing and promoting tourism throughout the county.
- Supporting chambers that have dedicated staff to promote local tourism and provide visitor services.
- Funding organizations that offer broad, year-round services to visitors and the community, even if they are not located in unincorporated areas.
- Allocating funds for infrastructure enhancements that support tourism, such as wayfinding signage and recreational facilities (e.g., ice rinks for hockey tournaments) it is recognized that investing in infrastructure can have long-term benefits for tourism growth.
- Supporting festivals and events hosted in unincorporated areas that have a significant impact on attracting overnight visitors.
Eligible Activities
Activities which will be considered eligible for assistance include but are not limited to, those that:
- Increase tourism by advertising
- Publicize and distribute information for the purpose of attracting and welcoming tourists
- Develop strategies to expand tourism
- Operate tourism promotion agencies
- Fund and market events and festivals designed to attract tourists
- Construct tourism-related facilities
For more information, visit Whatcom County.
