City of Centralia Hotel/Motel Lodging Tax Grants

The City of Centralia's Lodging Tax Grant Program supports the promotion of tourism and tourism-related activities through funding sourced from the city’s 2% hotel/motel lodging tax. The program is administered by the Centralia Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC), which is composed of stakeholders from the local tourism and lodging industry. The LTAC meets multiple times each year to evaluate applications and provide funding recommendations to the City Council, which makes the final decisions on grant awards. This grant is open to nonprofit organizations and government agencies whose proposed projects promote tourism in Centralia, Washington. Eligible activities include the marketing and operation of festivals and special events, tourism promotion, and the operation of tourism-related facilities. Proposals requesting less than $2,500 are discouraged. All applications must comply with state law (RCW 67.28.180–.1816) and the city's legal requirements. Grant recipients must submit a complete and detailed application, along with supplemental documentation including financial statements, IRS nonprofit determination letters, and a list of current board members or leadership. Applications for the 2026 grant cycle must be submitted in hard copy to the City Clerk’s Office by 12:00 PM (noon) on Friday, September 19, 2025. Only fully complete applications with all supporting materials will be considered. Applicants must submit one signed original and six complete copies. Incomplete or late proposals will not be reviewed. All documents submitted become public records. Awarded grants are based on the project’s anticipated ability to increase overnight stays in Centralia and its regional tourism impact. The application requires estimated attendance figures broken down by overnight and day-trip visitors, both local and out-of-state. Entities that receive funding are required to submit actual results after the event. Projects must demonstrate economic impact, collaboration with local or regional partners, and ideally, a plan to become self-sustaining through ticketing, sponsorships, or cost recovery. For more information or application questions, applicants may contact Bret Brodersen, Finance Director, at bbrodersen@cityofcentralia.com.

Applicants must submit seven total copies and complete all questions. Estimates of tourism draw are required. Partial funding may be awarded, and a plan for use of partial funds should be included.