City of Bellingham Tourism Promotion Grants

The City of Bellingham is seeking proposals for its Tourism Promotion Grants to increase economic activity in the City of Bellingham resulting from Tourists. Donor Name: City of Bellingham State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/06/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: This is an opportunity to apply for funds to provide seed money for your new event or marketing funds for ongoing events. Ideally, putting heads in beds (hotel stays). Funding is limited to activities which draw tourists to Bellingham. Types of Grant The Start-Up Grant- They offer a Start-up Grant for those events or activities that are three years young. This allows you to utilize funds for more than just marketing. You can put some funds toward eligible operating expenses which are limited to venue rentals (i.e. conference rooms), equipment rentals (i.e. cones, traffic signs, etc.), a portion of rent (must be proportionate to the event), and/or the purchase of goods/supplies with prior approval by the City. For example, payroll, travel, alcohol and equipment expenses are NOT allowed. Final decisions by the City on allowed operational expenses will be identified in the contract, and all expenses must be incurred and paid during the contractual period with appropriate back-up documentation available. The Standard Grant- This grant is for those events or activities who are over three years running. Eligible operational expenses are limited to venue rentals (i.e. conference rooms), equipment rentals (i.e. cones, traffic signs, etc.), a portion of rent (must be proportionate to the event), and/or the purchase of goods/supplies with prior approval by the City. For example, payroll, travel, alcohol and equipment expenses are NOT allowed. Final decisions by the City on allowed operational expenses will be identified in the contract, and all expenses must be incurred and paid during the contractual period with appropriate back-up documentation available.  Funding Information Start-up grants have a maximum of $5,000 funding.  The Standard grant does not have a limit however generally funding amount ranges between $2,500 – $25,000. Marketing Requirements RCW 67.28.080 defines a tourist as people travelling: For business or pleasure staying overnight in paid accommodations, To a place 50 miles or more one way from their place of residence or business or From another country or state outside of their place of residence or their business. For more information, visit City of Bellingham.