Cortland County Tourism Marketing Grant Program

The Cortland County Tourism Marketing Grant Program for 2026 is an initiative administered by the Cortland County Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB). Funded through a 5% Occupancy Tax on overnight lodging stays in Cortland County, this program aims to support external marketing efforts conducted by local nonprofit tourism organizations. The goal of the program is to stimulate tourism-related economic activity by encouraging visits from audiences outside the county, thereby increasing overnight stays, visitor spending, and use of local businesses. In 2024 alone, tourism generated $104.8 million in spending within Cortland County, supported 1,554 jobs, and contributed $11.6 million in state and local tax revenue. By reinvesting occupancy tax revenues into the community, the program seeks to enhance the area's appeal to tourists while benefiting local residents and businesses. The grants are available exclusively to tourism-related organizations that are formally recognized by the IRS as 501(c)(3) nonprofits. Applications are accepted from duly incorporated entities that can demonstrate how their proposed marketing initiatives will reach potential visitors outside of Cortland County. The emphasis is placed on measurable outcomes that contribute to economic growth and increased visitation. Marketing efforts that prioritize out-of-county promotion through various channels—including print, digital, and broadcast media—are eligible for funding under this program. The grant program will prioritize proposals that promote attractions, events, and programs capable of generating multi-day or overnight visits. Eligible activities include conventions, trade shows, festivals, exhibitions, and cultural events with broad regional appeal. Projects that offer economic or quality-of-life benefits to local residents are also encouraged. To maximize the return on investment, the program supports only those initiatives that clearly articulate how funded marketing efforts will target and attract audiences from beyond Cortland County's borders. Applicants may request support for a wide range of marketing tactics. Eligible expenses include print materials such as brochures and flyers, advertisements placed in out-of-county publications, digital marketing campaigns with targeted geographies, regional television or radio spots, and out-of-area billboards or banners. The program also allows for the use of third-party contractors for services like web development, video production, and direct mail—provided these services are directed at non-local audiences. Administrative and operational costs, salaries, capital projects, equipment, travel, and other non-marketing-related expenditures are ineligible for reimbursement. To apply, eligible organizations must submit a complete application packet by 5 p.m. on Friday, January 30, 2026. Applications may be submitted via email to [email protected] or delivered in person or by mail to the Cortland County CVB office at 42 Main Street, Cortland, NY 13045. A fillable PDF version of the application is available on the official CVB website. The required application materials include a marketing plan detailing the use of requested funds, proof of 501(c)(3) status, authorization of the signatory agent, insurance documentation, and the organization’s IRS Employer Identification Number. Prior recipients of this grant must also include a narrative outlining previous spending and results. All proposals will be reviewed by the Tourism Marketing Grant Committee, which evaluates submissions based on completeness, readiness to implement, marketing strategy quality, projected economic impact, and budget justification. Final funding decisions will be made by the Cortland County Legislature, following committee recommendations. Award notifications will be issued in March 2026, and awardees must enter into a formal contract with the CVB to receive funds. Projects must be implemented within 12 months of receiving funding, and recipients must provide documentation of their outreach impact, particularly with respect to visitation from outside the county. Failure to report may disqualify applicants from future funding cycles.

Clearly describe out-of-county marketing tactics; ensure tracking of nonlocal visitation is documented.