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Grants to Florida Nonprofits and Agencies for Arts and Cultural Attractions that Increase Local Tourism

Attractions Marketing Program


Grant Writers
Agency
Local
GrantWatch ID#
171867
Funding Source
Lee County Visitor and Convention Bureau (VCB)
Array ( )
Geographic Focus
USA: Florida: Lee County
Important Dates
Deadline: 06/16/23 Save
Grant Description
Grants of up to $20,000 to Florida nonprofit organizations and agencies for arts and cultural attractions that increase local tourism in eligible locations. Applicants must attend an application webinar prior to applying. Funding is intended for advertising and promotional activities. Eligible applicants must serve Lee County.

The goal of the program is to enhance the visitor experience and encourage repeat visitations through advertising promotions and the creative dissemination of information regarding unique art and cultural experiences in Lee County.

The program provides financial assistance for marketing initiatives to 501c3 not-for-profit arts and attractions organizations, and arts and cultural departments of municipal government that enhance tourism opportunities in Lee County. These site-based attractions and organizations provide a different level of service to visitors than events, with year-round programming that attract visitation to the region and/or offer reasons for visitors to extend their stay in the destination.

Grant funds may only be used for:

  • The design, production and placement of print, television, radio and billboard ads.
  • Digital marketing efforts such as online advertising, social media campaigns, search optimization, and e-marketing.
  • The design and construction of a new website or enhancements to an existing website.
  • Photography and video projects that support an approved marketing campaign.
Full Grant Text RFP
Recipient
Eligibility
  • Others (see text field entitled "Additional Eligibility Criteria" for clarification)
Additional Eligibility Criteria
The program provides financial assistance for marketing initiatives to 501c3 not-for-profit arts and attractions organizations, and arts and cultural departments of municipal government that enhance tourism opportunities in Lee County.

To be eligible for this program, an organization must meet the following minimum criteria:
- The organization must be: a) legally organized as a nonprofit, holding a federal 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status OR b) a government organization that is incorporated in Lee County.
- The Organization must have its financial statements compiled or reviewed annually by a third-party reviewer and provide results upon request of the VCB.
- The organization must provide a current IRS form 990.
- The tourism-based organization’s facilities, programs, or services must be available to visitors throughout the year. While an organization’s major program(s) or service(s) may occur primarily during a specific time of year, other services and programming should occur and benefit visitors throughout the remainder of the year.
Ineligible
Grant funds may not be used for:
- Seasonal brochures, playbills & member newsletters
- Printing and mailing/distribution costs for travel guides, attraction maps, rack cards, and any direct mail project
- Capital investments, asset development or product enhancement
- Salary support, personnel
- Strategic plan development
- Lobbying
- Public Relations/press releases
- Tradeshow registration fees, booth rentals/educational conferences, membership dues
- Travel costs (food, lodging, entertainment)
- Database development
- Market research to identify target markets
- Facility rental/insurance
- Purchase or rental of equipment or supplies
- Food or alcoholic beverages
- Items for resale and promotion items
- Operating costs (including web hosting and domain registration)
- International Marketing – contact the Lee County VCB for assistance in pursuing
international marketing
Pre-Proposal Conference
Attractions Marketing Funding Application Webinar:
Wed, May 17, 2023 11:00 PM - Thu, May 18, 2023 12:00 AM IDT

Requesting agencies must attend the application webinar.

Register: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/7361333031258929499
Pre-Application Information
Fiscal Year 2023/2024 Application Timeline:
- May 17, 2023 VCB Attractions Marketing Application Webinar
- June 16, 2023 Application Deadline
- June 19-June 30, 2023 VCB review of Requests
- July 5-19, 2023 Committee Review of Requests
- (date tbd) Committee Review Workshop
- August 10, 2023 Formalization of funding recommendations @ TDC meeting
- September, 2023 FY2022/23 budget approval by BoCC
- October, 2023 VCB issues funding agreements
- September 10, 2024 Final Report/invoice deadline (last chance to request reimbursement)

Applicants are encouraged to have marketing plans reviewed by VCB marketing staff prior to submitting.

Note: Effective FY 20/21, this program will be administered by reimbursement.
Estimated Size of Grant
Eligible organizations may request a maximum of $20,000.
Term of Contract
Funding is for projects that occur within the designated fiscal year only and should be spent by September.
Contact Information
For information please contact Nancy MacPhee: nmacphee@leegov.com

Lee County Visitor and Convention Bureau
2201 Second Street
Suite 600
Fort Myers, Florida 33901
Local: (239) 338-3500
Toll-Free: (800) 237-6444
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