2025 Tourism Grant Program

VisitHATTIESBURG’s Tourism Grant Program (TGP) is an annual allocation designed to enhance visitor and tourism promotion efforts in Hattiesburg. Donor Name: VisitHATTIESBURG State: Mississippi County: Forrest County (MS), Lamar County (MS) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/05/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: TGP provides funds for marketing and other qualified expenses for projects/events that fulfill VisitHATTIESBURG’S mission and, ultimately, increase overnight travel to Hattiesburg. Eligible applicants for funding include an organization/event/project whose objective is to promote Hattiesburg’s tourism industry to out-of-town visitors by generating overnight travel and economic stimulus to the city. The target audience should be outside the immediate Hattiesburg area (over 50- mile radius or out-of-state).  Qualifying entities may be attractions, associations, organizations, or governmental agencies which promote their event, products, and/or services to visitors from outside the area. Qualified grant projects must be held in Hattiesburg and should be classified in one of the following categories:  Festival / Event  Attraction / Public Use Facility Museums, historical buildings, meeting space, sporting facilities, etc. Other organizations / associations with a primary objective of promoting tourism in Hattiesburg. TGP funds may be used for a variety of expenses, including traditional and digital advertising, brochures and signage, event or exhibit production costs, and marketing and promotional activities. Disallowable expenses include utilities, general operating expenses, administrative expenses (including salaries, travel, meal and lodging), loan payments, personal benefits, cash awards, expenses not directly related to the approved project, and any illegal activities. Eligibility Requirements Applicants should fulfill the following requirements:  The project for which grant funds are requested must be primarily located within Hattiesburg (includes Forrest and Lamar Counties).  Projects should promote Hattiesburg as a destination by highlighting local lodging, dining, shopping, and attractions.  The proposed project must comply with all applicable laws, permits, licenses and regulations.  Each project must maintain financial records to document the use of TGP funds. These records should be filed and made available for inspection by VisitHATTIESBURG for a period of not less than three (3) years.  If funding is granted, the current VisitHATTIESBURG logo and/or TGP badge must be included on all collateral, advertisement, digital media, and signage in relation to the funded project. In addition, a hyperlinked VisitHATTIESBURG logo must be placed on the project website upon grant selection and remain for a period of no less than 12 consecutive months.  In cases where sponsorship packages are available, a sponsorship equivalent to the dollar amount of TGP funds awarded must be provided to VisitHATTIESBURG. This information should be included in application submissions.  Grants for individual organizations cannot exceed $5,000 in a Fiscal Year (October 1 – September 30).  An organization receiving TGP funding is responsible for paying all applicable taxes.  Additional guidelines may be required on an individual project basis and will be outlined in the TGP award letter and agreement. For more information, visit VisitHATTIESBURG.