The City of Stevens Point offers the 2025 Room Tax Grant Program to support projects that increase overnight stays in the city, enhancing tourism and economic impact. Managed by the Stevens Point Tourism Commission, this grant program allocates room tax revenue to fund eligible projects that promote visitor attractions, new events, or significant expansions of existing events within the city.
Key Guidelines and Eligibility:
Eligible Applicants: Only not-for-profit organizations located within the City of Stevens Point can apply. Projects by privately owned, for-profit businesses are not eligible.
Eligible Projects: Funding is provided for capital projects such as new construction, facility enhancements, permanent exhibits, and for special projects like first-time events or substantial expansions of current events.
Funding Limitations: Grant funds cannot be used for operating expenses, endowments, reimbursements for past expenses, travel, equipment replacement, local marketing, or any costs considered overhead.
Evaluation Criteria:
Grant applications are reviewed based on several factors:
Community Engagement and Public Access: Projects should be interactive, unique, open to the public, and ideally operational for at least 180 days a year.
Economic Impact: The project should contribute to Stevens Point’s tourism by attracting overnight visitors and generating hotel stays. Applicants should estimate the number of room nights expected.
Community Support and Sustainability: Applicants must demonstrate community backing, a viable funding strategy, and a plan for ongoing maintenance and staffing if required.
Application Process and Deadlines:
Submission Deadline: Applications must be submitted by Monday, December 2, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. Electronic applications should be sent to parksandrec@stevenspoint.com, or paper copies can be dropped off at 2442 Sims Avenue, Stevens Point, WI 54481.
Funding Disbursement: Grantees receive 50% of the funds before the event, with the remaining 50% disbursed after submission of a final financial report within 30 days post-event.
Additional Requirements: Grantees are expected to acknowledge the “Stevens Point Tourism Commission” in any promotional materials. Cancellations, excluding weather-related ones, may require reimbursement of the grant.
