Grant Program Guide
Everything you need to know about SCVA Tourism Grants, from eligibility to success metrics
How the SCVA Tourism Grant Program Works
The SCVA Tourism Grant Program represents a strategic reinvestment of lodging tax revenues collected throughout Sullivan County. Every dollar in our grant fund comes directly from visitors who stay overnight in our hotels, B&Bs, vacation rentals, and campgrounds – making this a true tourism-to-tourism investment cycle.
Our Investment Philosophy
We believe in measurable, sustainable tourism development. Rather than supporting one-time events or projects without lasting impact, we prioritize initiatives that build Sullivan County’s reputation as a destination, create repeat visitation, and generate economic benefits for local businesses and communities.
Why We Require Reporting
Post-grant reporting isn’t just paperwork – it’s how we prove the value of tourism investment to our county partners, identify successful strategies to replicate, and continuously improve our funding approach. Your success stories become tools for securing future tourism funding.
In-Depth Category Guide
Understanding exactly what we fund in each category and how projects are evaluated
Roomnight-Focused Grants
The largest funding category because it directly aligns with our lodging tax revenue source. These grants must demonstrate clear overnight visitation impact.
Eligible Uses:
- Lodging-linked promotions or packages
- Event-driven campaigns with proven visitor draw
- Tech incentives for lodging data sharing
- Digital ad co-ops with regional hospitality partners
Evaluation Criteria:
- Projected roomnight generation
- Strength of booking window and length-of-stay goals
- Inclusion of lodging partners
- Proposed methods for data capture and analytics
Reporting Requirements:
- Visitor zip-code data
- Hotel or lodging partner metrics
- Key Data Dashboard exports (or equivalent lodging-impact reporting)
Arts & Culture Enhancement
A crucial category for developing unique local identities that differentiate Sullivan County’s communities.
Eligible Uses:
- Exhibitions or installations designed for visitors
- Artist residencies with public-facing programming
- Venue enhancements that support tourism use
- Arts festivals with multi-day visitor appeal
Evaluation Criteria:
- Visitor relevance and public accessibility
- Alignment with shoulder-season objectives
- Marketing reach outside Sullivan County
- Contribution to the county’s cultural and brand narrative
Reporting Requirements
- Attendance totals and basic visitor demographics
- Tourism-related media mentions
- Performance metrics from related marketing or promotional campaigns
Hamlet & Micro-Brand Grants
Supports cultural tourism development, particularly during shoulder seasons when traditional outdoor attractions have less appeal.
Eligible Uses:
- Logo and brand identity development
- Seasonal campaigns tied to destination marketing strategy
- Interpretive signage, wayfinding, and storytelling elements
- Walking tours, maps, or history-focused projects
Evaluation Criteria:
- Clarity, quality, and consistency of the proposed brand story
- Connection to county-wide messaging pillars
- Ability to improve visitor navigation or awareness
- Collaboration with local businesses, artists, or community groups
Reporting Requirements:
- Documented usage of the brand or toolkit by community stakeholders
- Social media metrics or digital engagement performance
Events & Festivals Support
Focused on events that create destination appeal and encourage multi-day visits, not just attendance.
Eligible Uses:
- Event production support or vendor hiring
- Ticketing, logistics, or ADA accessibility upgrades
- Event marketing that actively promotes overnight visitation
- Safety, traffic management, or visitor-flow improvements
Evaluation Criteria:
- Multi-day visitor potential
- Geographic draw, especially beyond 60 miles
- Lodging integration through packages, referral codes, or partnerships
- Demonstrated track record or scalability of the event
Reporting Requirements:
- Attendance numbers
- Visitor zip-code reporting
- Visitor surveys
- Feedback or occupancy information from lodging partners
Who Can Apply & What We Need
Eligible Organizations
- 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations
- Chambers of Commerce
- Civic groups and community organizations
- Local businesses (with tourism focus)
- Municipal governments and authorities
- Arts and cultural organizations
- Event production companies
- Educational institutions (for public programs)
Geographic Requirements
- Located within Sullivan County, OR
- Demonstrable benefit to Sullivan County tourism
- Primary activities occurring in Sullivan County
- Marketing reach includes Sullivan County
- Visitor amenities accessible from Sullivan County
- Economic impact measurable in Sullivan County
Project Requirements
- Clear tourism development goals
- Measurable visitor impact potential
- Realistic timeline and budget
- Marketing plan & creative, both requiring SCVA approval
- Commitment to post-project reporting
- Alignment with category-specific criteria
- Good standing with previous SCVA grants
What We Don’t Fund
- General operating expenses
- Capital construction projects
- Personal or private benefit activities
- Projects without visitor impact
- Ongoing staff salaries (beyond project period)
- Debt reduction or fundraising events
- Projects conflicting with SCVA mission
Application Process Deep Dive
Detailed Timeline
| Activity | Phase One 2025 | Phase Two 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Applications Open | November 3 | January 6 |
| Information Sessions | Nov 19 & Dec 3 | TBD |
| Application Deadline | December 16 | February 14 |
| Review Period | October 16 – November 14 | February 15 – March 13 |
| Awards Announced | January 15 | March 14 |
| Funds Distributed | March 2026 | April 2026 |
| Reports Due | Within 60 days of event | Within 60 days of event |
Review Process
Step 1: Eligibility Check
SCVA staff reviews all applications for basic eligibility requirements, completeness, and category alignment.
Step 2: Evaluation Committee
A committee including SCVA staff, tourism industry representatives, and community members scores applications using the weighted criteria.
Step 3: SCVA Board Review
Final funding recommendations are presented to the SCVA Board of Directors for approval.
Step 4: Award Notification
All applicants receive written notification of funding decisions with feedback for future applications.
Scoring Rubric For All Categories
Criteria & Weight
- Alignment with Category Goals 15%
- Visitor/Community
- Impact Potential 25%
- Feasibility and Budget Clarity 15%
- Matching Funds 15%
- Marketing/Outreach Strategy 15%
- Innovation, Equity, or Underserved Area 15%
Post-Grant Accountability
All grant recipients will be required to fill out a post-grant report within 60 days of the event the grant is being used for.”
Report will require
- Receipts
- Lodging metrics or zip code capture
- Visitor-facing outcomes (web visits, walk-ins, etc.)
- Learnings or tweaks for next cycle
How We Measure Success
We evaluate success based on how well a project strengthens Sullivan County’s visitor economy and delivers measurable tourism impact. All funded projects must demonstrate outcomes that align with their grant category and with the overall goals of the SCVA Tourism Grant Program
Overnight Visitation
Documented roomnight impact, shown through visitor zip codes, lodging partner metrics, or Key Data Dashboard exports
Visitor Engagement
Attendance numbers, demographic insights, and participation in programs, events, or installations
Marketing & Reach
Performance of campaigns, including reach outside Sullivan County, digital engagement, and media mentions
Community & Brand Alignment
How well the project supports county-wide messaging, cultural storytelling, and visitor navigation
Feasibility & Delivery
Completion of the project as proposed, with a clear timeline, responsible budget management, and strong partnerships
Post-Project Reporting
Submission of all required data and learnings within 60 days of project completion, demonstrating accountability and impact
