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Indigenous Tourism Marketing and Production Grant

Indigenous Tourism Marketing and Production Grants help Tribal communities create promotional assets that complement marketing strategies and tactics. Tribal entities Indigenous to Washington State may request up to $50,000 in grant funding for content creation including photos, video, and written content intended for digital and print channels. Usage rights for this content should be budgeted. The applicant is encouraged but not required to share usage rights with SWT.  

Tribal entities Indigenous to Washington State are eligible for this grant, such as: Tribal museums, art, and cultural centers; Tribal entities responsible for managing natural resources and outdoor recreation; Tribal economic development offices; and other enterprises of Tribes Indigenous to the State of Washington. Tribal casinos and content associated with Indian gaming will not receive grant funding. Small businesses owned by Tribal members are not eligible for this grant. 

Applicants are 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 encouraged but not required to collaborate with local destination marketing organizations and industry partners on eligible projects. 

View 2024 grant recipients here.

2025 Application Timeline 

Jan. 15: Informational webinar | Register Here 

Feb. 1 – 28: Application period open.  

March: A review committee of industry experts will evaluate the leading applications. 

Early April: Award recipients will be notified by email. Grantees have one year 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 duration of the grant project. If awardees fail to submit an evaluation, their consideration for future grants may be adversely affected.  

The project evaluation should include: 

Be sure to view the FAQ for this grant program as well as the application portal FAQ. Additionally, you can watch the recording of the info session for more information. For questions, contact Tamara Rice at tamara@stateofwatourism.com. 

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.