Tourism Related Competitive Funding

Grants to Harford County, Maryland nonprofit organizations to promote tourism opportunities in the local area. Eligible tourism activities may fall under one of the following categories: cultural, heritage and preservation, historical, sports, agricultural, and ecotourism.

The Harford County Office of Economic Development and the Economic Development Advisory Board are committed to supporting the privatized efforts of industry-led tourism in Harford County and serving as good stewards of Harford County’s new hotel lodging tax revenue. A portion which is not allocated to directly support municipalities shall be used to financially support a competitive funding application process to encourage enhanced tourism-related activities that augment the County’s cultural, historical, agricultural, eco- and sports tourism and heritage aspects that serve to make Harford County a premier tourism destination.

To carry out this mission, the Economic Development Advisory Board’s Tourism Activity Review Committee will review and score eligible applications serving as recommendation to the County Executive who will seek County Council approval to award operating and project funds to qualified organizations.

EDAB Responsibilities:
-Develop and maintain an award process in accordance with state and local funding requirements.
-Develop procedures and policies for submission and funding of proposals.
-Review and evaluate applications for award funds.
-Recommend allocation based on available funding per organization.
-Make award recommendation to County Executive.
-Monitor and evaluate effectiveness of process and program.

Purpose of Funding:
-To enhance the ability of public/private sector organizations to provide enhanced tourism-related programs and activities making Harford County a premier tourism destination.
-To address the operational and program needs of public/private organizations that are striving to deliver effective and efficient tourism-related activities that reflect the cultural, historical, agricultural eco-and sports tourism and heritage aspects of our community.

Eligible Activities:

1. Tourism-related activities that serve to attract a transient population defined as those who enter our County from outside its geographic borders for the purpose of entertainment, education or athletic competition and can be categorized as at least one of the following:

-Cultural
-Historical
-Agricultural
-Eco-Tourism
-Sports Tourism
-Heritage and Preservation

2. Activities that can be accomplished during a 12-month period, including operating funds.

3. Activities that promote Harford County in a positive light, pose no inherent threat of danger to participants and showcase quality of life in County.

4. Activities that do not discriminate on basis of race, religion, ability or sexual orientation.

5. Activities that support the applicant’s operations or its programs.

Examples of Eligible Funding Items:

-Salaries: Employee wages
-Contractual: Rent, lease of office equipment and building space, utilities, telephone, website services, advertising/marketing, general liability, unemployment insurance, professional services (legal, audit/financial, etc.), service and maintenance contracts; tent rentals, event security, equipment rental.
-Supplies/Materials: General office supplies, printing, postage and delivery, janitorial supplies, food, small tools (hammers, etc.) audio/visual equipment, computer supplies and software, printer cartridges, paper, etc.
-Other: If you have other items not mentioned above, please contact the Office of Economic Development at 410-638-3059.

Demonstrating Partnership and Sustainability:

Demonstrating a partnership for program planning and implementation is seen as a strategy toward sustainability. Be sure to include partnerships and sustainability methods as part of your business plan.