Capital Improvement Grant

Cass County Tourism offers annual grants to nonprofit organizations that support tourism-related projects within the county. The grants are intended to encourage the growth of local attractions, events, and facilities that draw visitors to Cass County, Nebraska. These grants are managed by the Cass County Tourism Committee, an advisory body to the Cass County Board of Commissioners, and are divided into two main categories: Marketing Grants and Capital Improvement Grants. All applications must be submitted by January 31 each year, with award decisions communicated following County Commission approval. The Marketing Grant is focused on promoting tourism through events and activities that attract visitors to Cass County’s public and nonprofit attractions. This grant is funded by the county’s lodging tax, which by state law must be allocated toward promotional activities rather than physical improvements. Applicants can request up to $2,500 per marketing project, covering 75% of eligible marketing expenses with a reimbursement model. Each marketing project is limited to one application per year, and grantees are required to include a budget and relevant documentation to verify expenses. All promotional content must acknowledge the grant's source with a statement such as “Funded in part by Cass County Tourism – visitcasscounty.com.” The Capital Improvement Grant is intended for projects that enhance Cass County’s attractions through physical improvements, including new structures, equipment, or the preservation of existing facilities. Also funded by the lodging tax, this grant requires a 50% match from the applicant, of which up to 25% can be in-kind contributions such as volunteer labor. This category supports projects that are educational, cultural, historical, or recreational and open to the public. Applicants must ensure project completion by October 31 of the year following the award, with an option for an extension if requested in writing before the deadline. The project site must permanently display the grant’s funding acknowledgment. Eligible applicants for both grants are public and nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) or other nonprofit designations. Projects should focus on drawing tourists, ideally from outside the local area, to Cass County. Capital Improvement Grants prioritize projects that expand or create new attractions, while Marketing Grants focus on event and activity promotion. The application process includes submitting required forms and documentation by email, with preference for PDF format. Proof of nonprofit status and a detailed project budget are essential components for both types of applications. The application process for Capital Improvement Grants is a two-step process, starting with an Intent to Apply. The Tourism Committee reviews this preliminary application, and if criteria are met, assigns a committee member to conduct a site inspection. Successful applicants are then invited to submit a full application for final consideration. Both grant types require successful applicants to sign a Grant Agreement, acknowledging responsibilities and compliance with guidelines. Upon completion of projects funded by either grant, recipients must submit a final report documenting actual expenses and outcomes. Marketing Grant reports are due by January 31 of the year following project completion, while Capital Improvement Grant reports are due by November 30. Funds are disbursed based on approved, documented expenses and are only issued after the final report is received. All interested applicants should contact the Cass County Tourism Director for questions and are encouraged to ensure compliance with application instructions and deadlines to avoid disqualification.