Tourism Marketing Grant

The Tourism Marketing Grant offered by The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau (HVAB) is a funding initiative designed to stimulate tourism and economic activity within Centre County, Pennsylvania. Administered by HVAB and funded through the Centre County Room Tax, the program supports strategic marketing projects and events that aim to increase visitor engagement, drive overnight stays, and elevate tourism-related spending in the region. Governed under Pennsylvania Act 18 and HVAB’s own grant agreements, the program plays a pivotal role in Centre County's local economic development strategy by leveraging destination marketing as a tool to attract out-of-area visitors. The grant is targeted toward cultural, educational, historical, and recreational organizations, as well as groups hosting special events. Applicants must be either nonprofit entities or governmental units with a valid Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN), and they must be either located in Centre County or producing an event or project within the county. The core objective is to fund marketing and advertising initiatives that have measurable tourism impacts—preference is given to those that can demonstrate a strong potential to draw visitors from outside the county. Grant funds may only be used for marketing and promotional purposes, particularly for advertising special events that are designed to appeal to tourists. Operational costs and administrative expenses are explicitly excluded from eligibility. Additionally, funding may not be used for political or religious activities, nor for promotional efforts outside Centre County or for projects that directly compete with private-sector tourism operations. All applications must adhere to these guidelines strictly to be considered for funding. All awarded grants require a minimum 25% match of the total grant amount. This match may include applicant cash, sponsorships, other grants, or in-kind contributions such as donated goods or professional services. Volunteer hours and staff time are not eligible for matching contributions. Matching documentation must be retained and submitted during the reporting process to ensure compliance. The grant performance period extends from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. All awarded funds must be expended within this window unless an extension is formally requested and approved. Disbursement of funds is tied to the timing of both the event and the actual marketing expenditures. Funds not used by the end of the period will be forfeited unless otherwise negotiated. Branding requirements stipulate that all grant-supported marketing materials must include the HVAB logo and the designated acknowledgment language. These requirements apply across all media types—print, digital, TV, and radio. A separate logo use guide must be followed strictly. Furthermore, grantees are required to submit a final report within 90 days of project completion using HVAB’s online form, including detailed financial records and supporting marketing documentation. Records must be retained for at least three years following the close of the grant. Applications open on January 22, 2026, at 8:00 AM EST and close on March 21, 2026, at 5:00 PM EDT. Prospective applicants must ensure that any outstanding final reports from prior grants are submitted before new funds will be released. Interested applicants with questions are directed to email HVAB at [email protected].