CARLISLE, PA (February 23, 2010) - The Cumberland Valley Visitors Bureau (CVVB), the official Tourism Promotion Agency for Cumberland County, will be designating up to $100,000 of the Cumberland Valley Lodging Tax Income to a Tourism Grant Program and Tourism Infrastructure Loan Fund in 2010.
Up to $50,000 has been set aside for each of the programs and the CVVB and Cumberland County Economic Development will be sending out additional information regarding the Tourism Infrastructure Loan Fund.
The purpose of the Tourism Grant Program is to create collaborative marketing opportunities that will increase tourism visitation and overnight stays in Cumberland Valley. The grant will be awarded annually on the basis of merit and will be determined by the Tourism Grant Review Committee.
"We are delighted to be able to offer this first-time grant program to our stakeholders. We will closely monitor the demand and success of this program with the hope that we will be able to expand our financial support over time. Grant and loan programs are an excellent way to expand our current capacity and reach to grow visitation to the Cumberland Valley", said Shireen Farr, Director of Tourism.
Eligible applicants must be located in Cumberland County, PA and be a hospitality enterprise that is a profit or not-for-profit business. Enterprises that operate a lodging establishment that generates hotel tax receipts, a dining establishment that services out-of-town visitors, or those deemed by the CVVB to be a tourist attraction or specialty retail that supports the visitor experience will be considered.
The Tourism Grant Program will fund new or ongoing projects ranging from marketing and advertising, wayfinding and gateway signage, Web site development, new brochures and promotional materials, public relations, emerging targeted markets (ex. Agritourism) or projects that target CVVB focus areas such as development along the waterfront or downtown assets.
The Tourism Grant Program will not fund general operating needs or capital improvement projects. Capital Improvement projects may be considered under the Tourism Infrastructure Loan Fund (TILF).
There will be one grant cycle in 2010. Applicants must submit the 2010 Tourism Grant Application within the timeframes listed below. Applications may include two or more partners who have decided to collaborate on a project. These applications will be given higher consideration than single applicants.
Applicants must be able to match each grant dollar by half and requests may not exceed $25,000. Applications that can communicate a compelling need that directly enhances the CVVB's tourism mission with quantifiable results will be given higher consideration.
Click the link below to view the Official Guidelines and Application for the Tourism Grant Program.
http://www.mediafire.com/?0yztdohmj5m
If you have any further questions about the 2010 Tourism Grant Program please contact Shireen Farr, at (717) 240-7196 or shireen@visitcumberlandvalley.com.
2010 Tourism Grant Program Timeline
Call for applications will be announced: Monday, March 1, 2010
A grant writer's conference will be held: Monday, March 15, 2010
Deadline for applications to be submitted: Monday, May 3, 2010
Awards will be announced: Monday, May 24, 2010
Award letters will be distributed: Monday, June 7, 2010
The mission of the Cumberland Valley Visitors Bureau is to promote Cumberland County as a tourist destination, attract visitors to the area, enhance the visitor's experience, and to encourage and promote overnight stays.
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