The Chautauqua County Department of Planning and Development is offering the Tourism Product Development Grant Program. This program aims to enhance tourism within Chautauqua County, New York, by supporting projects that increase visitor engagement, overnight stays, and overall awareness of local attractions. While the context does not explicitly state a "foundation mission alignment" or "strategic priorities and theory of change" in the typical philanthropic sense, it clearly outlines the county's strategic goal of fostering economic development through a robust tourism sector. The grant's categories and eligibility criteria reflect a direct alignment with this objective, focusing on tangible outcomes that contribute to the county's prosperity and visibility as a tourist destination.
The target beneficiaries of this grant program include a diverse range of organizations and individuals residing in Chautauqua County. Eligible entities are not-for-profit organizations, public or private schools, governmental agencies, businesses and corporations, and all landowners of Chautauqua County. The impact goals are centered on bringing in visitors from outside the county, increasing overnight and repeat visits, and developing or enhancing attractions and destinations. By supporting a broad spectrum of local stakeholders, the program aims to create a ripple effect, boosting local economies and creating a more vibrant community for both residents and tourists.
The program prioritizes two main categories: Event Development & Marketing and Attraction Enhancement & Placemaking. Under Event Development & Marketing, the focus is on new events that attract out-of-county visitors, have the potential to increase overnight and repeat visits, and highlight outreach or marketing efforts. For Attraction Enhancement & Placemaking, the grant supports the development or enhancement of attractions, planning/feasibility studies for such enhancements, initiatives to increase visibility and placemaking, and efforts to create awareness of specific attractions. These priorities underscore a commitment to both generating new tourism opportunities and strengthening existing assets.
Expected outcomes and measurable results include an increase in external visitor numbers, a rise in overnight and repeat visits, and enhanced visibility and awareness of Chautauqua County's attractions. The funding information specifies awards up to $20,000 with a 1:1 match, contingent on project review and ranking. Awardees can receive funding for up to three years for a specific project but must reapply annually. While specific quantitative metrics are not detailed in the provided information beyond the general goals of increasing visitors and stays, the requirement for a project review and ranking implies an evaluation process to ensure that funded projects are aligned with the program's objectives and demonstrate a clear path to achieving these outcomes.
