Capital Grants Program

The Halifax County Convention & Visitors Bureau (HCCVB) Capital Grants Program is designed to support the development and enhancement of tourism-related infrastructure and attractions within Halifax County, North Carolina. The Bureau, operating under General Assembly guidelines for the use of Occupancy Taxes and General Statutes 153A-155, aims to stimulate economic growth by investing in projects that increase tourism, especially those that attract visitors from outside the county and encourage overnight stays. Eligible organizations may apply under one of three funding categories—Bricks and Mortar, Attractions, or Municipalities—with different funding levels and requirements. The Bricks and Mortar category funds traditional construction and capital improvement projects, requiring a 1:1 matching contribution from the applicant. The maximum award for this category is $50,000, and organizations may receive no more than this amount over a five-year period. The Attractions category focuses on preserving and promoting Halifax County's cultural and historical assets, with a cap of $10,000 per year and no matching requirement. The Municipalities category offers a $5,000 non-matching grant for community and tourism enhancement projects such as signage, parks, trails, and public recreational infrastructure. All funded projects must be directly related to tourism development and cannot include unrelated elements. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations, government bodies, and 501(c)(3) entities that have been in operation for at least three years and are located in Halifax County. Organizations must also own or hold a 25-year lease on the property in question. The tourism-related asset must be open to the public for at least 156 days per year and maintained for five years following the award. Certain uses are explicitly prohibited, including event costs, administrative expenses, advertising, employee salaries (except reenactors), and non-tourism infrastructure such as sidewalks or water/sewer improvements. Applications must be complete and received by the Bureau office by 5:00 p.m. on April 30, 2026. Email submissions are not accepted. Applicants must submit five complete sets including supporting documentation, project outlines, budgets, tax documents, and proof that 50% of the project budget has been secured at the time of submission. Projects must also have the approval of relevant governing or municipal bodies. Applications may be disqualified if incomplete or late. Grant funds are reimbursed only upon completion of the approved project phase. Applicants must submit invoices and canceled checks to receive disbursement. Projects must be completed by June 30, 2027, and grantees must notify the Bureau of any project withdrawal, delays, or scope changes by January 1, 2027. The Bureau may redistribute forfeited funds and reserves the right to deny applications. Recognition of the Bureau’s support is required in public-facing materials related to the project, including signage and media releases. Applications are evaluated using a point-based scoring system that includes criteria such as tourism focus, projected visitation numbers, public access, room nights generated, and first-time applicant status. The program is recurring annually, though future funding is not guaranteed. Organizations that receive the maximum Bricks and Mortar award must wait for a new funding cycle before reapplying. Grants for Attractions and Municipalities may be sought annually so long as they are budgeted by the Bureau.

Complete applications with board approval, secured funding, and tourism-aligned outcomes are prioritized. Ensure alignment with economic impact and visibility goals.