The Washington County Visitors Association (WCVA) is now accepting applications for its tourism development grants. Two types of grants applications are available online: small grants (for projects/programs from $1,000 to $5,000) and large grants (for projects/programs greater than$5,000).
Funds are allocated annually for the purpose of tourism development, including product development and out-of-area marketing, and are awarded for projects, events and programs that have the potential to attract and draw tourists from at least 50 miles outside of Washington County and the Greater Portland area.
Non-profit organizations and associations, sports and event planners and organizations, tourism groups, government entities and business associations operating in Washington County are eligible to apply. Funds will be awarded to tourism projects and/or programs that will be completed during fiscal year July 1, 2012 – June 15, 2013.
Applications will be judged based on the degree in which they match the WCVA’s target markets:
• Athletic or competitive sporting events
• Wine tourism
• Nature-based tourism
• Agri-tourism
• Arts and culture
Application packets, including complete rules and guidelines and sample grant agreement are now available online. You may also request an application by calling 503-644-5555.
Completed applications must be received by the WCVA by 4 p.m., Thursday, March 15, 2012. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted (no exceptions).
The grants are not intended to be an ongoing subsidy, and eligible programs and/or events must be open to the public.
The creation of tourism development funds supports the initiatives that were set forth in the organization’s “Tourism 2015” plan, which was developed in 2005 and outlined strategies to strengthen the region’s tourism industry.
ABOUT THE WASHINGTON COUNTY VISITORS ASSOCIATION
The Washington County Visitors Association (WCVA) is an accredited, not-for-profit destination marketing organization that serves the region’s tourism industry by actively promoting Washington County, Ore., as a destination for leisure and business travelers, and meeting, sports and events planners. The organization, which was established in 1983, is funded solely by a percentage of transient lodging taxes collected by lodging establishments in Washington County, Oregon. In addition to destination marketing, the WCVA supports tourism development, serves as an advocate for the tourism industry, and conducts annual research about the county’s tourism industry and its visitors. More information about the WCVA is available on our industry website.
