Gering Occupation Tax Grant

The Gering Occupation Tax Grant is a locally administered funding initiative by the City of Gering, Nebraska. Established under Ordinance No. 2078, this grant program is financed through a four percent occupation tax, which is earmarked for tourism-related activities that support local economic development. The program was designed with a flexible framework to ensure adaptability in evaluating diverse project proposals. Administered by the Gering Visitors Bureau and overseen by the City Council, the initiative is fundamentally focused on boosting tourism, especially by encouraging overnight stays in Gering and Scotts Bluff County. The grant program welcomes applications from nonprofit organizations and municipal entities for events, infrastructure projects, and promotions that drive tourism. Preference is given to projects within Gering's zoning jurisdiction, and the overarching funding goal is to attract visitors, promote tourism, and generate extended overnight lodging stays. Applicants must align their proposals with key funding priorities, including convention and hospitality industry promotion, group tourism such as sports events and motorcoach tours, and broader tourism development. Specific uses include tourism promotion and advertising, visitor transportation systems, signage to key attractions, acquiring or enhancing exhibits and facilities, and expenditures related to recreational tourism and arts promotion. However, funding cannot be used for general operating costs not tied to the project, or for basic maintenance or structural replacement. Applicants undergo a standardized review process. Proposals are initially screened for completeness by the Director of the Gering Visitors Bureau, then presented in person before the City of Gering Occupation Tax Fund Grant Application Advisory Committee in a public meeting. A scored rubric assesses how well applications align with the tax fund's priorities. Priority is typically given to organizations or projects that have not received funding within the past three years, ensuring equitable distribution of resources. Funding is allocated biannually, with two distinct categories. Minor grants, defined as $10,000 or less, are considered in May and November, while major grants of $10,001 or more are reviewed in February and August. All applications must be submitted 30 days prior to their respective review month. Award disbursement is generally made upon project completion with verified receipts, though applicants may request up to 50% of funds at the outset by demonstrating financial need. Award recipients must sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the City of Gering, outlining mutual responsibilities, and are required to provide a post-project “After Action Report” to document outcomes, including tourism impact metrics. Larger grant recipients may be subject to additional reporting requirements during multi-phase projects or long-term developments. Awardees are also expected to publicly acknowledge the support of the Gering Occupation Tax Fund with signage provided by the city. A portion of annual tax collections, currently set at $50,000, is held in reserve for unanticipated tourism opportunities, and annual allocations are typically split 60/40 between city entities and external nonprofit groups. The ultimate goal of the grant is to foster new and impactful tourism initiatives, rather than subsidize ongoing or longstanding efforts. All submissions should be sent to the Gering Visitors Bureau at 1050 M Street, Gering, NE 69341, addressed to Executive Director Tina Worthman. Applications may also be submitted via email to [email protected]. For questions or assistance, applicants can contact the Bureau directly at 308-436-6886. This program embodies Gering’s commitment to using local tax revenue to strengthen its tourism infrastructure, stimulate local business activity, and enhance the city’s cultural and recreational appeal.

Tie proposal clearly to tourism goals and avoid general maintenance or operations as these are ineligible.