Hospitality Tax Grants

The Richland County Hospitality Tax County Promotions Grant is administered by the Richland County Office of Budget and Strategic Management to support organizations that contribute to tourism development within Richland County, South Carolina. Specifically, the grant program is funded through a two-percent hospitality tax levied on prepared foods and beverages in unincorporated areas of the county and certain incorporated municipalities including the Towns of Irmo and Eastover. The revenue generated is reinvested into projects that enhance tourism by promoting local dining, overnight accommodations, cultural venues, and events in the areas where the tax is collected. The primary objective of the grant is to support activities that attract tourists to unincorporated Richland County and promote spending in local establishments. Funding is prioritized for projects that stimulate overnight stays in local accommodations, increase dining at restaurants in the target regions, and elevate the visibility of the county's historical, cultural, and recreational assets. Examples of eligible expenditures include marketing and promotional costs (with 70% directed outside Richland County), venue rentals, accommodations and transportation, security services, and other tourism-related operational costs. However, the funds must not be used for items like food, beverages, prizes, insurance, or salaries, and all grant funds must be spent directly by the awardee organization—re-granting is prohibited. Eligibility for the program is restricted to nonprofit entities that have been in existence for at least one year and possess 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status or are designated Destination Marketing Organizations. Governmental entities such as the Towns of Irmo and Eastover are also eligible. Religious organizations may apply, but grant funds cannot support religious activities. Fiscal agents can be used for only one year, after which the applicant organization must independently obtain 501(c)(3) status to continue receiving funds. Private individuals, for-profit entities, and politically affiliated organizations are ineligible for funding. Applications must be submitted via the ZoomGrants portal between December 1, 2025, and February 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET. The grant cycle corresponds with Fiscal Year 2027, which spans July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. Required application components include a comprehensive project description, estimates of meals and overnight stays generated, economic impact, marketing plans, and proof of nonprofit status. Additional required documents include IRS determination letters, recent 990 filings, board member lists, and business license documentation. Applicants must electronically sign their submissions. Grant proposals are evaluated by the Richland County Hospitality Tax Advisory Committee, which reviews each application based on criteria such as the project's benefit to tourism and the community, economic impact, budget feasibility, and organizational capability. Applicants may opt to give a four-minute presentation to the Committee during March 2026. Final award decisions are made by County Council in June 2026, with grant funds reimbursed quarterly starting in July 2026. Awardees are required to submit mid-year and final reports with metrics such as attendance figures, tourism outcomes, and detailed financial records. The program anticipates continued annual cycles, and funding allocations may vary based on the county's overall budget. For FY26, $600,000 was awarded, with individual grants ranging from $2,000 to $30,000. At least 75% of funding is designated for organizations operating in areas where the hospitality tax is collected, while the remaining 25% supports efforts in incorporated parts of the county such as Columbia, Blythewood, Arcadia Lakes, and Forest Acres. For additional information or questions, applicants are advised to contact Matiah Pough, Grants Manager, at (803) 576-5459 or via mail at PO Box 192, Columbia, SC 29202.

Prioritize tourism impact metrics; ensure detailed estimates for meals and hotel stays; allocate 70% of marketing outside Richland County.