Mississippi Income Security and Social Services Grants

This grant provides funding to organizations and projects that enhance Vicksburg's appeal as a tourist destination, supporting local initiatives that promote tourism and boost the economy.

The Yazoo County Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) is accepting applications for the Tourism Grant. Donor Name: Yazoo County Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) State: Mississippi County: Yazoo County (MS) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The goal of the Yazoo County Convention & Visitors Bureau’s grant program is to increase the tourism-related offerings in Yazoo County for visitors and to continue to increase the number and quality of visitors to area each and every year. The reimbursements and expertise received by grant-approved organizations from the CVB can not only mean success for an event, site, attraction or project, but it can also mean growth, which in the long run means growth for all businesses in Yazoo County.  The Yazoo County CVB offers two types of grants. The first and probably most popular type is for Advertising & Promotion of an event, site, or attraction. The second is for Preservation/Enhancement, which includes the repair or improvement of tourism-related sites, and for placement of historical or cultural markers. The first type of assistance available is for Advertising & Promotion: This type of assistance targets markets outside of immediate area (over a 100-mile radius or out-of-state). Your organization must purchase paid advertising (such as magazine, newspaper, radio and television ads and billboards); printed brochures and calendars of events; and put together public relations kits for your event. Entertainment, labor, t-shirts, and other clothing items are not eligible for consideration. Your organization will be reimbursed for the purchases once deemed all qualifications are met and proof of bills paid by your organization. The second type of assistance available is for Historical/Cultural Enhancement: The primary purpose of this type of assistance is for the repair and /or improvement of tourism or tourism-related sites and for the placement of historical and/or cultural markers (such as Blues trail, Freedom trail markers, and other markers for historic preservation). This type of assistance is not for bricks and mortar projects. The Convention and Visitors Bureau will not provide this type of assistance for salaries or operating/administrative expenses. They will also give priority to projects for which the requesting organization is providing some of the funding necessary and/or has obtained additional funding from other sources. Proof of other funding sources may be requested by the Bureau, and may have to be presented before a decision is made.  Funding Information You may submit an application for only one type of assistance during the fiscal year; with a maximum request of $10,000. Project Period October 1, 2024 – September 30, 2025. Requirements For the most part, requirements for grants are very simple, and include: Project must help the Yazoo County CVB to meet goal of increased visitor traffic, Yazoo County CVB must be recognized as a sponsor in all of your advertising, the exact proofs of your advertisements and press releases should be submitted to the CVB for approval prior to release, a final report and requests for reimbursement must be submitted no more than 60 days after completion of your project, and your project must have an established bank account in order to receive reimbursements. In some circumstances, the requirements can be a bit more complicated, and suggest that you take the time to read and fully understand the application before applying. They are happy to answer any questions you may have. They hope it is understood that requirements are in no way intended to discourage or limit your organization in applying for or receiving a grant. The first responsibility is to the taxpayers, whose contributions fund grant program. It is imperative that they have a set of checks and balances in place to ensure grant funds are used appropriately and in a way that benefits Yazoo County’s tourism goals. For more information, visit CVB.

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.