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FALL 2023 Tompkins County Tourism Program Grants Available

The Tompkins County Tourism Program is pleased to announce three grant programs for the fall: Community Celebrations, Tourism Advancement, and Tourism Capital grants. A total of $391,550 is available in the fall grant cycle for these three programs. Detailed information is available at www.tompkinscountyny.gov/tourism/grants

Community Celebrations Grant

Are you looking for a way to celebrate your community's culture, history, and diversity? Do you have a great idea for a fun and inclusive event that brings people together? If so, you might be eligible for a celebration grant from the Tompkins County Tourism Program!

We are inviting community groups to apply for up to $2,500 to support their celebrations. Whether it's a cultural festival, a neighborhood gathering, a sports tournament, or anything else that showcases your community's spirit and values, we want to hear from you!

To apply, simply fill out the online application form by August 31, 2023. The application asks about your proposed event, how it will benefit your community, and how you will use the grant money. Don't miss this opportunity to make your celebration dreams come true!

New this fall: we are allowing applicants to submit an audio or video recording in place of a written grant application. Guidance on how to record your proposal and attach it to your application is available in the grant guidelines.

Tourism Advancement Grant

Are you looking for a way to showcase our community to visitors from near and far? Do you have a creative idea that will make Tompkins County a more attractive and vibrant destination? If so, you should apply for the Tourism Advancement Grant!

This grant is designed to support groups that want to promote our destination to tourists and enhance the local economy. You can use the grant to cover expenses such as advertising, signage, website development, performances, event planning, and more. Don't miss this opportunity to take your project to the next level and reach new audiences.

To apply, simply fill out the online application by August 31, 2023. The application asks for information about your project, how it will benefit the local economy, and how you will use the funds.

Tourism Capital Grant

Tourism Capital Grants support major investments in visitor-generating projects such as theaters, museums, and other major cultural and recreational attractions. The funds can be used for design, renovation, and new building projects; investments in unique permanent installations such as exhibits; and feasibility studies of potential capital projects.

To apply, please contact Ithaca Area Economic Development for a pre-application consultation. Applications are due by August 31, 2023.

The Tompkins County Tourism Program annually invests local hotel room occupancy tax dollars in community-based tourism to promote economic development and enhance quality of life. This program is guided by the Strategic Tourism Planning Board. Tourism grants have supported the activities of dozens of local organizations contributing to local tourism and community vitality. Learn more at www.tompkinscountyny.gov/tourism  

Contacts

Nick Helmholdt, Principal Planner / Tourism Program Director
nhelmholdt@tompkins-co.org 607-274-5560

Kurt Anderson, Director of Development Operations and Strategy
kurt@IthacaAreaED.org 607-273-0005