3% Tourism Product Development Grant Program

The 3% Tourism Product Development Grant Program is administered by the Chautauqua County Department of Planning and Development. The program is funded through a five percent occupancy tax on lodging within the county, of which three percent is allocated specifically to tourism development initiatives. This funding is intended to support activities that enhance the county’s appeal as a travel destination, including conventions, trade shows, special events, and related economic activities. The overarching goal is to increase visitation, particularly from outside the county, and to encourage repeat overnight stays. The primary purpose of the program is to catalyze tourism growth by supporting projects that create or significantly enhance visitor experiences. Eligible projects must demonstrate a clear public benefit and measurable outcomes, particularly in attracting non-local visitors. The program emphasizes initiatives that expand tourism visibility on a regional or broader scale, contribute to niche or unique visitor experiences, and foster collaboration among local stakeholders. Projects that focus on routine maintenance or long-term operational costs are explicitly excluded from funding consideration. Funding is available for a range of project types categorized broadly into events, marketing, and placemaking. Event-based funding supports the creation or expansion of tourism-focused events, including planning and feasibility activities. Marketing funding targets campaigns designed to attract new visitors, extend stays, and increase overall tourism impact. Placemaking funding supports improvements to public spaces, tourism assets, and infrastructure that enhance the visitor experience. Across all categories, projects are expected to demonstrate innovation, alignment with regional tourism goals, and long-term sustainability. The program requires a 1:1 matching contribution from applicants, which may include a combination of cash and in-kind support. At least 50 percent of the match must be in cash. Awards of up to 20000 dollars are available, and funding may support a project for up to three years, though applicants must reapply annually and continued funding is not guaranteed. Documentation of matching funds and project expenditures is required as part of the reporting process. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, public or private schools, governmental entities, businesses, corporations, and landowners within Chautauqua County. There are no categorical restrictions on applicant type; however, all applicants must clearly demonstrate how their project benefits the public and contributes to tourism and recreation opportunities. Projects must also show potential to leverage additional public or private investment and include a plan for sustained impact beyond the grant period. Applications are submitted electronically through a Google Forms platform during the annual application window, which runs from July 1 through October 1. Applicants must provide a detailed project budget, identify funding sources, and address evaluation criteria outlined in the program guidelines. The review process is conducted by a panel that scores applications based on alignment with tourism goals, innovation, collaboration, and expected impact. Final award decisions, including funding amounts, are made at the discretion of the review panel. Following submission, applications are reviewed between October and mid-November, with funding decisions communicated by the end of November. Awardees must confirm acceptance by December 8. Funds are disbursed in two installments, with 75 percent released after January 1 and the remaining 25 percent contingent upon submission of a satisfactory final report by December 31 of the award year. The final report must include documentation of project outcomes, financial expenditures, matching funds, and evidence of increased visitation from outside the county. For additional information, applicants may contact Stephanie Nick, Special Projects Coordinator, via email at nicks@chqgov.com or by phone at 716-661-8214.

Focus on measurable increases in out-of-county visitation; demonstrate strong alignment with regional tourism goals; include clear follow-up and sustainability plans; leverage partnerships and matching funds