Tourism Enhancement Grant
Overview
Tourism is one of the largest industries and most important economic drivers in Tennessee. This grant was developed to help communities improve their tourism assets and increase tourism-related economic impact.
At a Glance
- Up to $100,000 grant with a match requirement (see page 2 of application)
- Approximately 25-30 grants will be awarded
- Grantee must be city or county government
- Applications can be submitted from multiple applicants within a county.
- Project must be completed on city, county or IDB owned property or property leased from TVA or the US Army Corps of Engineers that meet the lease requirements described
Timeline
July 17, 2023 Application open
Sept 1, 2023 Applications due
Sept 5 – 8, 2023 Application review /score period
Sept 19, 2023 Group application review / discussion / finalize awards
Oct 2, 2023 Award notifications and contracts
Nov 3, 2023 Signed contracts due
Contract Period
Associated project costs must be incurred and projects completed within contract period after all final approvals.
Grant Review Board Members
- TN Dept. of Economic and Community Development
- TN Dept. of Tourist Development
- TN Dept. of Agriculture
- TN Dept. of Environment and Conservation
- TN Dept. of Transportation
- TVA and/or the US Army Corps of Engineers (where applicable)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many grants will be awarded?
A: The total number is contingent upon the number of qualifying applications received and how many apply for the full amount of funding.
Q: What is the source of the funding?
A: These are state funds.
Q: Will you accept more than one application from a county?
A: Yes, more than one community within a county can apply as long as prior grants are closed.
Q: Can you apply for more than one project?
A: Yes. As long as you do not request more than $100,000, you can propose multiple projects in multiple parts of the county. To get the best score, they should be related and “tell a good story.”
Q: Can you give us examples of what you have funded in the past?
A: This is the sixth round of this grant. A few examples of projects funded prior rounds include: stage and boat ramp improvements, seating, electrical, lighting and sound system upgrades for tourism venues and attractions, wayfinding signage, enhancements to sports facilities that host large tournaments.
Q: What is the definition of an “Official Tourism Organization”?
A: “Official Tourism Organization” is an organization designated by a county or municipality as the entity that promotes the region as a tourist destination. “Official Destination Marketing Organization” is an organization whose task it is to represent that community to potential travelers and generate economic benefits to that county or region of Tennessee through visitor expenditures. Official Destination Marketing Organizations act as Convention & Visitors Bureaus, Chambers of Commerce, and community development-related organizations that are not-for-profit and considered that county or region’s “Official Tourism Organization.” Tourism partners that are not considered as an ODMO or OTO are attractions, festivals, museums, or Tennessee Main Street organizations, for example.
Q: Can I use a consultant to develop a plan for my community?
A: No, community plans do not qualify
Q: Can I mail in my application?
A: No. It must be submitted via email to Andi.Grindley@tn.gov and copy Tourism.Grants@tn.gov.
Q: Do I need to number the answers to align with the question numbers?
A: Yes, all answers must be numbered to correspond with the question.
Eligibility: No Change
Q: Can I use a consultant to develop a plan for my community?
A: No, community plans do not qualify
Q: Can I mail in my application?
A: No. It must be submitted via email to Andi.Grindley@tn.gov and copy Melanie.Beauchamp@tn.gov.
Q: Do I need to number the answers to align with the question numbers?
A: Yes, all answers must be numbered to correspond with the question.
Q: Can funds be used to purchase land?
A: No.
Q: This grant is not for construction. What do you consider to be construction?
A: This funding is intended to further develop tourism assets in your community. If you already have a festival and need to make improvements to a stage or build a gazebo, that would be eligible. If you have an historic building that needs repairs or accessibility improvements, that would be eligible. If you need to add bathrooms to a venue so that it could be used more frequently, that would be eligible. Building a new visitor center or a completely new structure would likely not be eligible.
Q: Do ADA requirements apply?
A: That is up to the community to determine for their individual projects. It is a good idea to ensure that all projects are accessible to people with disabilities.
Q: Can we make improvements to a city- or county-owned golf course, ball field or tennis courts?
A: Technically that is eligible, but the applicant is responsible for showing how it would increase tourism revenues in the community, such as hosting tournaments that bring in tourists.
Q: Are lighting and sound equipment eligible?
A: Yes. Again, show how it would increase tourism revenues in your community.
Q: Is a plan required?
A: No. Many communities have good plans or know what their best tourism assets are and what they need.
Q: Can I use a consultant to develop a plan for my community?
A: No, this round plan development does not qualify for the grant.
Q: Can we have private sector partners?
A: Absolutely. We encourage and endorse community contribution and communication between all affected interests in these projects.
Q: Can the funds be used in connection with other grants?
A: It depends. Other grants cannot be used as the matching funds, but if the community puts in the required match, then other grants funds can be used to complete a bigger, more impactful project.
Q: Are administration expenses eligible?
A: Yes, up to (5%) five percent may be used for administration fees.
Q: Are engineering expenses and other soft costs an eligible expense?
A: No. This can be a part of the match, but TDTD will not pay for engineering.
Q: Are permits an eligible expense?
A: Yes. If a state or federal permit is required, then the grant funds can pay for it.
Q: Can I mail in my application?
A: No. It must be submitted via email to Tourism.Grant@tn.gov and copy Melanie.Beauchamp@tn.gov.
Q: Do I need to number the answers to align with the question numbers?
A: Yes, all answers must be numbered to correspond with the question.
Q: Is an Environmental Review required?
A: No.
Q: Do Davis-Bacon Wage Rates apply?
A: No.
Q: Do Tennessee Prevailing Wage Rates apply?
A: Yes.
Q: Do projects require bidding process?
A: Yes. State and/or local procurement rules must be followed. This will be checked at the monitoring visit.
Tourism Enhancement Grant: Application
Fill out the Tourism Enhancement Grant.
Contact
| Andi Grindley | 615-741-7994 | Andi.Grindley@tn.gov |