Grand County Colorado Tourism Board (GCCTB) Marketing and Special Events Grant

The Grand County Colorado Tourism Board (GCCTB) provides grant funding to promote tourism within Grand County, Colorado. This funding is specifically intended to support advertising, marketing initiatives, and special events that attract visitors to the area, with a focus on increasing overnight lodging and tourism during off-peak seasons. The GCCTB is structured into three districts: Fraser Valley District, Three Lakes District, and Mainstem District. Each district is responsible for reviewing and approving grants relevant to its jurisdiction. There are two types of grants available through GCCTB: Marketing Grant Requests and Special Events Grant Requests. Marketing Grants are designed for established nonprofit organizations that are recognized as tourism-focused marketing entities within Grand County. These funds are to be used exclusively for advertising and cannot be used to cover salaries or purchase capital equipment. Grant proposals must align with the GCCTB’s broader tourism promotion goals. Special Events Grants support events open to the general public and held within the county. Funding from GCCTB may not exceed 50% of an event’s total budget and must be used solely for marketing the event. Additionally, event organizers must carry a $1,000,000 general liability insurance policy with a deductible not exceeding $5,000. Eligibility requirements include demonstrating how the proposed initiative will promote overnight stays, attract visitors during slower tourism periods, and highlight the unique attributes of Grand County. Applicants must also show how other tourism-related businesses or organizations can participate in the effort. Grants are contingent on the organization maintaining adequate worker’s compensation insurance and submitting a post-event evaluation report detailing attendance, promotional materials, and a comprehensive financial breakdown. Failure to submit this report may disqualify applicants from future funding for at least a year. Grant applications are accepted on a quarterly basis through 2025, with submission deadlines on December 20, 2024; March 21, 2025; June 20, 2025; and October 24, 2025. Starting in 2026, the GCCTB will transition to a semi-annual cycle, with the first deadline set for January 2, 2026, and the second on July 1, 2026. Submissions are due by 11:59 PM MST on the specified dates and late applications are deferred to the next quarter. Applications must be submitted via the appropriate form—either the Marketing or Special Events Request Form—along with supporting documentation. All applicants are encouraged to present their proposal to their corresponding district committee, facilitated by the GCCTB Executive Director. Once grants are approved, Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) are issued the following week and must be signed and returned within four days to prevent deferment. MOUs are standardized and must be returned in full. For more information or to submit an application, applicants can contact Executive Director Gaylene Ore at [email protected].

Submit all documents on time; MOU delays can defer grant.