Explore Schuylkill Tourism Mini Grant

The Explore Schuylkill Tourism Promotion Mini Grant Program is a locally administered initiative designed to support tourism marketing and promotional efforts within Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. The program is overseen by Explore Schuylkill, the county’s official tourism bureau, and aims to increase overnight visitation by providing direct financial assistance to qualifying tourism-related entities. The mini grant program was approved by the Explore Schuylkill Board of Directors and is funded through hotel room tax revenue generated under Act No. 2016-18 (H.B. No. 794), which accounts for over 97% of the bureau’s operating budget. The program demonstrates the bureau’s continued investment in local economic development through tourism. The 2026 grant opportunity supports a variety of marketing campaigns, projects, and event promotions that are expected to result in increased overnight stays. Qualified applicants include businesses and organizations located in Schuylkill County that operate in tourism-related sectors such as accommodations, travel and transportation, food and beverage services, retail, recreation, and entertainment. Explore Schuylkill members in good standing are also eligible. Each applicant must be a registered entity with an EIN and must demonstrate a history of attracting patrons from at least 50 miles outside the county. Applicants may submit multiple proposals, though a separate application is required for each. Grant requests must focus exclusively on marketing and publicity initiatives. Eligible media types include television, online video, digital content, social media, print ads, and internet-based commercials. However, grant funds may not be used for signage, general operating costs, political or religious purposes, or projects that do not align with the objective of increasing overnight stays. All marketing efforts funded by the grant must incorporate the Explore Schuylkill logo and align with the destination marketing theme, “Explore Schuylkill County where your woodland escape and historic town adventures come together naturally.” Grant awards range from $250 to $3,000, and are subject to the availability of funds. There is no guarantee that applicants will receive full or partial funding. All applications must be completed electronically (typed) and submitted by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, March 6, 2026. Handwritten or incomplete applications will be disqualified. All awarded funds must be used within 12 months of notification. A final report must be submitted within 30 days of project completion, including media billing proof, metrics, and a summary of promotional expenses. Applications will be reviewed by a committee composed of Explore Schuylkill staff and board members, with final awards ratified by the full board. Conflicts of interest are managed by requiring recusal of any committee or board member affiliated with an applicant organization. While Explore Schuylkill endeavors to sustain the program annually, there is no guarantee of future funding, and prior recipients are not assured renewal. Questions regarding the process may be directed to Explore Schuylkill at (570) 622-7700 or via email at [email protected].