Tourism Development Grant - Festivals, Events, and Marketing Grant

Grants to Louisiana nonprofit organizations in eligible areas to promote tourism opportunities and improve the local quality of life. Funding is intended for activities that increase the number of out-of-area visitors and the use of local lodging facilities. The goal of the program is to support the development, growth, and enhancement of tourism and conventions in Ouachita Parish, including but not limited to sports, festivals, and other special events including the arts and humanities.

Emphasis will be given to proposal requests that directly and indirectly maximize the number of visitors who come to the area, especially if overnight accommodations are needed. Proposals showing the fastest and highest return on the investment will be given the highest priority. 

The mission of the Monroe-West Monroe Convention and Visitors Bureau of Ouachita Parish is to attract conventions and tourists to the area. The CVB’s Board of Directors is authorized by state law to expend funds for advertisements; promotion; publications of information; marketing of fairs and festivals; construction of museums; equestrian/livestock centers and sports facilities; additions to civic and convention centers and for other economic development purposes in Ouachita Parish.

Requests of Tourism Development funding can be for any of the following areas:

1. Bidding, including promotion, to bring a convention or tourism business to the area.
2. Advertising and promotion to expand the attendance at a new or existing tourism event.
3. Co-op advertising directed to out-of-state visitors.
4. Special projects deemed to be of community-wide tourism interest.
5. Brochure and/or website development assistance to a festival, attraction, or other nonprofit tourism entity.