Tourism Promotion Grant Program

The City of Grants Pass, located in southern Oregon, places a high value on tourism as a key contributor to its economic vitality. To support this sector, the City allocates 12 percent of its eligible tourism funds toward the Tourism Promotion Grant Program. This initiative is designed to stimulate ongoing tourism through promotional activities that draw visitors and encourage overnight stays. By targeting projects that boost tourism during the off-peak season and generate economic impact from visitors traveling over 50 miles to reach the city, the program aims to extend the benefits of tourism more broadly across local businesses and nonprofit organizations. Administered by the City’s Economic Development Division, the Tourism Promotion Grant Program operates on a biannual cycle, with spring and fall application windows contingent on the availability of funds. For the current cycle, applications are open from January 1, 2026, through February 1, 2026. Grants awarded under this program range from $2,500 to $5,000 and do not require any matching funds from applicants, making the opportunity more accessible to a wide range of organizations. Priority is given to projects that have the potential to become recurring events and those that clearly drive tourism. Examples include events centered on sports, the arts, local food, or industry-specific themes; outdoor recreation initiatives like hiking or rafting; and projects with historical or cultural significance. Community-centric projects that highlight the unique aspects of Grants Pass, such as its biodiversity or local wares, are also encouraged. Touring-related efforts such as agritourism or guided travel packages are eligible as well. To be considered, applicants must be either a registered business or nonprofit organization located within the Grants Pass city limits or within its Urban Growth Boundary. On a case-by-case basis, applicants located within a five-mile radius of the city limits may also be considered if they provide additional justification. All grant expenditures must be eligible under the City’s Transient Lodging Tax (TLT) guidelines, which require that promotional efforts attract tourists from more than 50 miles away or generate overnight lodging stays. The application process requires submission of a completed form before the February 1, 2026 deadline. Incomplete applications or submissions after the deadline will not be considered. Guidance from the Economic Development Division is available to those who submit their applications at least 14 days in advance of the deadline. After eligibility is confirmed, applications are reviewed by a Grant Review Subcommittee made up of Tourism Advisory Committee members, City staff, and a representative from the Destination Marketing Organization. The Subcommittee uses a scoring tool to rank proposals and submit funding recommendations to the City Council, which makes final award decisions. Award notifications will be sent following Council approval, and grant funds are available on a reimbursement basis only after the applicant submits paid invoices and supporting documentation. Marketing activities funded by the grant must commence only after official award notification and be completed within one year. For additional information, prospective applicants can contact Dana Pearce, Economic Development Manager, at [email protected] or by phone at 541-450-6014.

Submit early to receive staff guidance; Emphasize recurring events and long-distance tourism impact; Focus on measurable local economic benefit