Lycoming County Travel and Tourism Marketing Grant

The Lycoming County Travel and Tourism Marketing Grant, managed by the Lycoming County Visitors Bureau in partnership with the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce, supports nonprofit organizations and initiatives that enhance tourism in Lycoming County. Funded by the county's Room Tax, the program aims to promote events and tourism assets that attract visitors from outside the area, boosting the county’s economy and cultural appeal. A total of $155,000 is available annually, with $80,000 awarded through a competitive process. This amount is divided into tiers of $7,500, $5,000, and $2,500 grants, while fixed allocations are provided to the Community Arts Center ($50,000) and Hiawatha Inc. ($25,000). Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations or public benefit corporations that have established events or programs with a minimum three-year history of attracting out-of-town visitors. A key requirement is demonstrating a 25% cash match of the requested grant amount, supported by an event budget detailing marketing and promotional expenses. Projects must focus on promotional efforts targeting audiences beyond a 25-mile radius of Lycoming County. Advertising campaigns may include geotargeted social media and other media placements, provided they reach audiences outside the local area. Grant recipients are required to report on the outcomes of their funded initiatives, including attendance figures, economic impact, and the number of local lodging rooms booked. A detailed breakdown of expenses and receipts is also mandatory. The program prioritizes proposals with strong marketing strategies, evidence of community and private sector support, and packaging components that bundle the event with dining or lodging options. Awardees must credit the Lycoming County Visitors Bureau in promotional materials, include its logo, and link to designated tourism websites. If pre-registration is involved, participant information must be shared with the Visitors Bureau to enable pre-event tourism outreach. Additionally, awardees must provide a half-page ad in event programs for the Bureau. All awarded funds must be utilized within the calendar year, with unspent amounts returned to the grant pool. Applications are reviewed by a panel of community members and Visitors Bureau representatives, with final decisions approved by the Chamber of Commerce’s executive board. This program offers a valuable opportunity for local organizations to enhance tourism while strengthening Lycoming County’s cultural and economic vitality.