Grants to Washington nonprofit organizations and for-profit entities for projects and events that attract tourists to eligible locations. Funding is intended for new, expanding, and ongoing activities and events, and may also be used for marketing, tourism promotion, and the operation of tourist facilities. Eligible activities benefit the cities of Cle Elum, Ellensburg, Roslyn, and/or Kittitas County.
Funds awarded under this process may be used for the following:
- Tourism marketing;
- The marketing and operations of special events and festivals designed to attract tourists;
- Supporting the operations of tourism-related facilities owned or operated by nonprofit organizations described under 26 U.S.C. Sec. 501 (c) (3) and 26 U.S.C. Sec. 501 (c) (6) of the internal revenue code of 1986, as amended.
Grants from lodging tax funds are provided for two types of applicants, New Projects/Events and Ongoing Event Support. An organization may apply for funding from one or both categories. The categories are defined as follows:
- The New Project/Events category is for applications from events/projects which are within the first four years of existence. Applications may be considered in this category from established events (older than four years) that are proposing a new or expanded project designed to increase tourism as part of an ongoing event.
- The Ongoing Project/Event Support category is for applications from established events (ongoing for more than four years) that may request continuing support. Grant awards are limited in this category to no greater than 10% of the event’s expense budget. This category includes projects/events which may be operating under a new board or organization, moving venues, changing dates, or implementing other non-substantial changes to a project/event which is ongoing for more than four years.
In the review of applications, the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee or designees will grant preference to those proposals which (1) increase tourism, and (2) demonstrate ability toward eventual self-sustainability.
The Lodging Tax Advisory Committees have determined that certain types of activities are eligible for funding awards. These include anything affiliated with the following: employee travel & training expense, computer maintenance expense, marketing, communication, advertising, office supplies, IT Support, facility (rental) (includes security and lighting costs), Equipment Hire (rental) (sound systems, two-way radios, etc), Volunteer Training (includes food & clothing)(no resale), Transport (equipment transport & hire of buses), Medical Fees (required medical professional onsite), and Speakers and Talent Fees.
