Klamath County Tourism Grant Program

The Klamath County Tourism Grant Program is a locally administered funding initiative aimed at supporting the development and promotion of tourism-related projects throughout Klamath County, Oregon. Established and managed by the Klamath County Finance Department, the program is designed to enhance the local visitor economy by investing in innovative projects that increase out-of-county visitation, particularly during the shoulder season from October through May. Grants are funded by the county’s transient room tax and are available in two annual cycles, with a focus on expanding infrastructure and elevating community events and tourism experiences. Eligible applicants include local governments, port districts, federally recognized tribes, registered nonprofit organizations, and for-profit entities conducting business in Oregon. All applicants must demonstrate a direct contribution to the economic growth of Oregon’s travel and tourism industry. Projects may request up to $25,000 for standard initiatives and up to $50,000 for infrastructure-based proposals. A minimum 30% cash match is required for requests of $3,000 or more; projects under $3,000 do not require a match. In-kind contributions are encouraged but are not counted toward the required cash match. Eligible projects must enhance the visitor experience and stimulate tourism growth, ideally by increasing overnight stays in Klamath County. Proposals that demonstrate new and impactful enhancements to the tourism economy, especially those scheduled during the shoulder season, conducted outside the Klamath Falls urban growth boundary, or promoting inclusivity, are given extra consideration during evaluation. However, funding cannot be used for regular maintenance, private profit projects, debt servicing, staff salaries already budgeted elsewhere, or activities associated with alcohol, cannabis, or tobacco. The application process requires strict adherence to program guidelines and deadlines. The Spring 2026 grant cycle opens on March 2, 2026, at 8:00 AM and closes on March 31, 2026, at 5:00 PM. To be eligible, applicants must attend a mandatory Grant Orientation Class, scheduled for March 12, 2026, at 9:00 AM in Room 219 of the County Government Complex. Attendance is tracked for both in-person and livestream options, with no makeup sessions offered. Grant recipients must also attend a mandatory Marketing Essentials Class on May 1, 2026. Applications must include a completed budget form, narrative, and at least one letter of support from a community partner unaffiliated with the applicant’s organization. All proposals are reviewed by a seven-member advisory panel, which scores applications and provides recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC). The review panel meets on April 10, 2026, and final funding decisions are made by the BOCC on April 15, 2026. Applicants will be notified of the outcome by April 16, 2026. Awardees must return signed contracts by April 24, 2026. Contracts are formally signed at the BOCC business meeting on May 12, 2026. Projects must be completed within 12 months of the signed contract, and a final report, including a detailed budget and documentation of expenditures, must be submitted within 30 days of project completion. Up to 80% of awarded funds are eligible for drawdown during the project, with the remaining 20% released after final reporting approval. Grant recipients are required to visibly acknowledge Klamath County’s support on all project-related materials as appropriate, including signage, websites, and publications. Insurance coverage and compliance with local permitting regulations are mandatory. Projects involving historical structures may require additional documentation. All reports and communication are coordinated through the Klamath County Finance Office. Questions can be directed to the department by phone at 541-851-2264.

Emphasize shoulder season impact, out-of-county visitation, and inclusivity for higher scores; ensure compliance with submission deadlines and attend required classes.