Lodging Tax Annual Grant Program

The Lodging Tax Annual Grant Program is administered by San Juan County to support projects, events, and facility operations that promote tourism in the county. Funding for this grant is derived from the lodging tax fund, established under San Juan County Code 3.16.010. This fund receives proceeds from county-imposed lodging taxes, revenues from tourism-related facility operations or leases, and from bonds issued for developing tourism infrastructure. Funds are used strictly for purposes outlined in state law and county code, with oversight by the County auditor and Council. The program supports three types of projects: capital expenditures for tourism-related facilities with county ownership interest, operations of tourism-related facilities run by municipalities or qualifying nonprofit entities, and festivals or events specifically designed to attract visitors from outside San Juan County. Eligible applicants must be either nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) or (6) status, or public agencies. Documentation such as IRS letters, incorporation papers, approved budgets, and governing body approvals are required. Applications open on September 2, 2025, and close on October 3, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. PST. After the deadline, applications undergo a preliminary review from October 4 through November 3, 2025. Applicants will then present their proposals to the County Council in November 2025, followed by final award notifications in December 2025. All applications must be submitted electronically in PDF format via email. Required submission materials include a completed application form, a W-9, organization budgets, project budgets, board approvals or resolutions, and for public entities, official meeting minutes. Evaluation criteria emphasize the ability of the project to increase tourism and overnight stays. Specific performance metrics must be proposed by applicants, including predicted attendance, out-of-county travel, and use of commercial lodging. Post-award, grantees must submit final reports documenting actual visitor metrics as required by RCW 67.28.1816(2). The grant does not require cost sharing or matching funds. However, applicants must clearly delineate how county funds will be spent, and reimbursements are tied to project milestones detailed in an implementation timeline. All awards are reimbursement-based, contingent on project execution and documentation. Contact for submissions and inquiries is Aiden H., at aidenh@sanjuancountywa.gov.

Submit all required attachments including tax documentation, board approvals, and performance measures to avoid disqualification.