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Grants Available

The Tompkins County Tourism Program offers a variety of grant programs. All tourism grants are funded from the Hotel Room Occupancy Tax. The Strategic Tourism Planning Board (STPB) advises the Tompkins County Legislature on all tourism grant programs and awards.

All grant applications must be submitted online through Common Grant Application. Please watch this brief video to learn about Common Grant Application.


Detailed information on specific grant programs is provided below:

Arts & Culture Organization Development Grant


Funding provided through the Arts & Culture Organization Development (ACOD) grant supports organizations that enhance Tompkins County's brand as an artistic & cultural destination. Eligible organizations include public museums and performing / visual arts organizations in Tompkins County.

The 2022 ACOD grant cycle now accepting applications. Pre-applications are due on October 28, 2021. Eligible organizations will be invited to complete a full application. Please see the guidelines for details on eligibility, evaluation criteria, considerations, and how to prepare and submit an application.
 

The Community Arts Partnership (CAP) assists with the administration of this grant program. All parties interested in this grant are strongly encouraged to reach out to CAP at their earliest convenience: director@artspartner.org.

Community Celebrations Grant

Community Celebrations grants support local events that convey the unique culture and history of Tompkins County. Their mission is to enhance quality of life for residents, improve understanding of local culture, and expand contemporary culture in ways that are informative, educational, and just plain fun. Please see the grant guidelines below for detailed information about eligibility, award ranges, and the evaluation process.

The County Historian provides guidance on this grant program. 

Strategic Tourism Implementation Grant

The Strategic Tourism Implementation grant supports projects that substantially advance critical actions identified in the 2020 Strategic Tourism Plan or other tourism implementation plans. This funding opportunity is intended to be flexible in terms of the types of proposals that will be considered which may include local tourism program and industry research priorities. Please see the grant guidelines below for detailed information about eligibility, award ranges, and the evaluation process.

Please Note: the Strategic Tourism Implementation Grant cycle has been suspended through 2021.

Tourism Capital Grant

Tourism Capital grants support major investments in visitor-generating projects such as theaters, museums, and other major cultural and recreational attractions. The funds can be used for design, renovation, and new building projects; investments in unique permanent installations such as exhibits; and feasibility studies of potential capital projects. Please see the grant guidelines below for detailed information about eligibility, award ranges, and the evaluation process.

Tompkins County Area Development (TCAD) assists with the administration of this grant program. All parties interested in this grant are strongly encouraged to schedule a pre-application meeting by emailing tourism@tompkins-co.org.

Please Note: the Tourism Capital Grant cycle has been suspended through 2021. 

Tourism Marketing Grant


Tourism Marketing grants fund marketing and advertising campaigns that attract visitors from outside Tompkins County. Please see the grant guidelines below for detailed information about eligibility, award ranges, and the evaluation process.

Please Note: the Tourism Marketing & Advertising Grant cycle has been suspended through 2021. 

Tourism Project Grant


Tourism Project grants fund efforts that draw visitors to Tompkins County for overnight stays or accomplish other critical actions listed in the 2020 Strategic Tourism Plan [PDF]. Please see the grant guidelines below for detailed information about eligibility, award ranges, and the evaluation process.

Please Note: the Tourism Project Grant cycle has been suspended through 2021.