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Rural Tourism Marketing and Production Grants

Rural Tourism Marketing and Production Grants will help destination communities create promotional assets to support marketing goals. Tourism stakeholders may request up to $50,000 in grant funding for content creation that includes but is not limited to photos, video, and written content. Usage rights for this content should be budgeted for the applicant and State of Washington Tourism (SWT).  

Local governments, tribes, chambers of commerce, destination organizations, and other nonprofit organizations that support travel and tourism are eligible for this grant.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to match a portion of their grant request with cash or in-kind contributions. Grant funds from SWT should not pay for staff salaries, debt, or interest payments associated with eligible projects. Applicants are also strongly encouraged to collaborate with local destination marketing organizations and industry partners on eligible projects. 

View previous grant recipients here.

Application Timeline

Nov. 1-Dec. 1, 2024: Application period | View the info webinar.

December 2024: A review committee of industry experts will evaluate applications. 

January 2025: Grant recipients will be notified by email.

February 2025: Estimated date grant funds will be made available. Grantees have until the end of 2025 to expend the funds. 

Stipulations for Working with Contractors 

Applicants should express an intention to seek contract work from a third party without naming a vendor. When describing one’s asset production strategy, the applicant should include a summary of the tourism product or service identified for promotion and the means and medium of promotion, in addition to the desired qualifications and services from the vendor. 

Applicants must also abide by the following stipulations as outlined by the Washington State Department of Commerce:  

If a micro-purchase (up to $10,000) 

If a small purchase ($10,001 – $30,000) 

For purchases above $30,000 (or $40,000 if using a certified small or veteran-owned business), applicants will need to follow the federal procurement process outlined in 2 CFR 200 procurement.   

Applicants awarded grant funds must submit all contracts/contractors involved with each project to SWT for review and approval. Contractors must be billed on a reimbursement basis after services are rendered. If applicable, some eligible expenses can only be covered at OFM reimbursement rates.

Reporting Requirements  

Grantees must submit two reports (an interim and a final evaluation) and comply with quarterly check-in meetings for the grant project. If awardees fail to submit an evaluation, their consideration for future grants may be adversely affected.  

The project evaluation should include: 

Questions?

For questions about eligible/ineligible expenses, promotional assets, and the application portal, view the FAQ for this grant program or contact Tamara Rice at tamara@stateofwatourism.com. Additionally, please watch the recording of the info session for the grant for more information. 

These funds are made possible through a federal grant from the Economic Development Administration, awarded to State of Washington Tourism by the Washington State Department of Commerce for tourism industry pandemic recovery, and are intended for rural and underserved communities.