Room Tax Tourism Grant

The Room Tax Tourism Grant Application is a funding initiative managed by the County of Chemung, New York, to enhance tourism within the region during the 2026 calendar year. This grant is open to nonprofit organizations and community groups that actively promote tourism and support economic activity through visitor engagement in Chemung County. The program funds activities designed to attract overnight visitors, thereby increasing local revenue through lodging, dining, and visits to local attractions. Eligible activities include marketing efforts and visitor outreach initiatives such as event promotions, brochure creation, mobile app development, and visitor information booths. Projects that are eligible for funding are evaluated and prioritized based on their projected impact on Chemung County’s tourism and sales tax revenue. The ultimate goal is to draw tourists to the county and stimulate local commerce through increased spending by visitors. Funding must be used strictly within the 2026 calendar year and may not be applied toward capital improvements or infrastructure. All funded media and promotional materials must display the Discover Chemung logo and the County of Chemung seal to reinforce regional branding. In addition, a Tourism Funding Grant Follow-up Report must be submitted by January 31, 2027. This report must include visitor number tracking and relevant receipts; failure to submit it may impact eligibility for future grant opportunities. The grant program is divided into three tiers: Tier 1 (Micro Grants up to $5,000) supports smaller initiatives such as local walking tours or printed maps. Tier 2 (Small Grants ranging from $5,001 to $15,000) funds medium-scale projects like marketing campaigns or business training. Tier 3 (Medium Grants ranging from $15,001 to $30,000) is reserved for more complex projects such as tourism package development, outdoor experiences, or destination management planning. All applications must be submitted by Monday, March 23, 2026, no later than 4:00 PM. The application includes a certification clause affirming the accuracy of submitted information and acknowledging that the application becomes part of a public record. Applications will be assessed on their alignment with the grant’s purpose, potential tourism impact, and compliance with funding requirements.