Tourism Assistance Grant Program

The Tourism Assistance Application for Round 2 of 2026 is a grant initiative spearheaded by Yates County, New York, to support local tourism projects that draw both visitors and residents into community experiences. This program aligns with Yates County’s broader economic development objectives, emphasizing tourism as a vital engine for regional prosperity. To streamline the county's tourism efforts, Yates County has designated the Yates County Chamber of Commerce as its official Tourism Promotion Agency (TPA), leveraging the Chamber's local insight, relationships, and marketing capacity to enhance outreach and impact. The grant program is funded through the County's occupancy tax revenues and administered by the Tourism Advisory Committee (TAC), which evaluates project proposals and advises the Yates County Legislature on how funds should be allocated. The TAC prioritizes initiatives that boost awareness of Yates County as a travel destination, encourage repeat visitation through memorable experiences, and deliver improvements that elevate both the visitor and resident experience. This advisory model ensures that funding decisions are strategic, data-informed, and aligned with long-term tourism development goals. Eligible projects for this grant include community signage, events, marketing campaigns, art installations, exhibits, festivals, outdoor performances, advertising efforts, and community beautification initiatives. The focus is on developmental projects that introduce or significantly enhance experiences rather than maintenance or operational support. Proposals must demonstrate strong potential to increase overnight stays, particularly during off-peak seasons, and must be open to the public without requiring membership or exclusive access. Ineligible activities include capital improvements, fireworks, website development, operational costs, staff wages, utilities, rent, and restricted-access events or conferences. Funding awards range from $1,000 to $10,000. The 2026 Round 2 application period closes on April 10, 2026, at 4:00 PM ET. The funding period covers projects occurring between June and December 2026. Recipients are responsible for fronting all project costs, with reimbursement provided post-completion upon submission and approval of detailed documentation, including itemized receipts. Grantees must acknowledge the support of the Yates County Tourism Program in promotional materials using a designated statement. The application process includes submission of a completed digital application form, a concise marketing plan, and a comprehensive project budget that outlines all sources of funding and associated expenses. TAC will review submissions based on criteria such as travel demand generation, organizational capacity, marketing strategy, product development clarity, cost-effectiveness, and impact on both visitors and residents. Approved applications will proceed through committee and legislative review before contracts are issued. Final reimbursement occurs within 90 days of project completion and successful review of supporting documentation. Technical assistance is available through the Yates County Chamber of Commerce, and applicants are encouraged to coordinate with the TPA to optimize visitor engagement strategies.

Prioritize clear visitor impact; avoid operational requests; include letters of support.