Applications Due Soon

Eugene, Ore. - Travel Lane County provides a lengthy list of grant and loan opportunities for businesses at EugeneCascadesCoast.org/members/industry-research-resouces/grants/.  Businesses in the hospitality and tourism industry are encouraged to check this page frequently as new funding opportunities and application deadlines are announced. The following information outlines several opportunities.

The Willamette Valley Visitor Association (WVVA) announced its new annual granting program. The project, funded by Travel Oregon's Regional Cooperative Tourism Program, will invest 20 percent of the statewide lodging tax into each of Oregon’s seven designated tourism regions. WVVA serves as the designated marketing organization (DMO) for all Willamette Valley Region projects. The mission of the Willamette Valley Visitors Association is to build awareness for the Willamette Valley as a premier year-round travel destination through marketing, sales and destination development and to drive visitor expenditures and economic impact to all parts of the region.

Matching grants will be available on an annual basis with the first grant application window opening January 15, 2018 and closing March 1, 2018.

Grants will require a minimum 10 percent cash match with a project request range of $2,000 to $10,000. Eligible applicants may apply for projects that contribute to the development and improvement of Willamette Valley communities by means of the enhancement, expansion and promotion of the visitor industry. Learn more about eligibility and grant requirements. 

WVVA is also accepting applications for its Oregon Wine Country License Plate Grant Program. Read the complete Oregon Wine Country Plates Matching Grants to learn program details and eligibility requirements. Application deadline is February 28, 2018.

Contact: Tori Middelstadt, 503.881.4442,
grants@oregonwinecountry.org

The Oregon Coast Visitors Association's Strategic Investment Fund (SIF) allocates $72,000 annually to rapidly respond to high value destination development projects.  Any non-governmental organization may apply. 

Allocations are unlimited, up to the total fund amount, and there is a rolling deadline until all funds are allocated. Allocated funds must be spent on the intended purpose and must be accomplished within 11 months of being dispersed.   

Phase I.  Submit a Letter of Intent which briefly and concisely a) explains how this project meets the below Eligibility Criteria, b) describes what stage this project is in, c) lists active partnerships and/or describes community support of the project and d) clearly identifies a need addressed by this project.  2 page max length. 

Phase II.  If your project is selected, the Oregon Coast Visitors Association will follow up with additional questions related your project viability and completion timeline.

Eligibility Criteria

• Directly address one or more Goals in the 2017-2019 RCTP OREGON COAST PLAN
• Identify and Execute Strategies to Increase Off-peak Season Visitation.
• Identify and Execute Strategies to Increase Availability of Skilled Workforce.
• Develop New Tourism Products and Experiences.
• Enhance Sustainability Programs 

Contact: Marcus Hinz, Executive Director, Oregon Coast Visitors
Association, 541.264.0543, Director@ThePeoplesCoast.com 

The Springfield Arts Commission's annual Heritage Arts Grant Program makes funds available to groups involved in the cultural life of the city. The goal of these grants is to encourage community-based public programs, such as, but not limited to concerts, theater, visual art, dance, or literature. The grant program is funded by City of Springfield room taxes and is administered by the Springfield Arts Commission (SAC).

The SAC will identify the amount of funds available for each grant cycle annually based on its available budget. A total of $4,500 in grants is available for fiscal year 2018. The minimum grant award for a single project is $250; the maximum is $1,500, with most awards ranging from $250-$1,000. A Heritage Arts Grant award must represent not more than fifty percent (50%) of the project budget.

Applications are reviewed 2 times per year. The next submission deadline is February 20, 2018.

2018 Springfield Heritage Arts Grants Guidelines and Application

Contact: Thea Hart, 541.726.2238, thart@springfield-or.gov