Bend Cultural Tourism Fund

The Bend Cultural Tourism Fund (BCTF) is a grant initiative managed by Visit Bend, designed to enrich Bend, Oregon’s economy through strategic investment in cultural tourism. Established following a 2013 ballot measure, the fund allocates 7.5% to 10% of Visit Bend’s annual public funding—received from the City of Bend—to support projects that promote the city as a vibrant cultural destination. The initiative aims to foster tourism, especially during Bend’s shoulder and winter seasons, through diverse cultural offerings including festivals, exhibitions, performances, and other creative events. Since its inception, BCTF has awarded over $2.5 million to 133 projects led by 50 organizations. These include multi-day events like the Winter PrideFest, Bend Yoga Festival, and Bend Design Conference. Grantees span a wide spectrum from visual and performing arts to heritage and literary programming. By funding events that attract incremental visitors and diversify local offerings, BCTF plays a crucial role in sustaining Bend’s cultural vibrancy and enhancing its overall quality of life. The primary objectives of BCTF funding are to drive incremental tourism during off-peak seasons, support the development of cultural assets, reinforce Bend’s reputation as a cultural destination, and bolster community appeal for potential long-term investments. Projects are assessed on their potential to draw non-resident visitors, enrich the cultural landscape, and align with sustainable tourism practices. While the 2025 grant application window is now closed, interested applicants are encouraged to monitor the Visit Bend website for future funding cycles. Projects funded by BCTF often receive multi-year support and encompass both small and large-scale marketing efforts tailored to attract tourism and increase visibility for cultural initiatives. For more information about past recipients and application instructions for future cycles, applicants should consult the BCTF section on the Visit Bend website or contact the organization directly through their listed channels.