Washington County Tourism Grant Program

The Washington County Tourism Grant Program is an initiative operated by the Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency (WCTPA), which allocates a portion of the county’s hotel room tax revenue to support tourism development efforts. The WCTPA, through this grant, seeks to promote economic growth by attracting both business and leisure travelers to Washington County, Pennsylvania. The program underscores the enhancement of tourism experiences and the generation of overnight stays as key performance criteria. Applications are evaluated by the WCTPA Grant Review Committee, which is responsible for determining funding allocations based on project merit. This grant program supports tourism-related entities within Washington County, offering distinct pathways for nonprofit and for-profit applicants. Nonprofit organizations may seek funding for capital projects or marketing programs that align with tourism development objectives. In contrast, for-profit applicants are only eligible for grants that promote specific events or unique activities; requests for general marketing support from for-profits fall outside the scope of the program. The WCTPA places a strong emphasis on proposals that demonstrate a capacity to draw visitors from outside the county. For marketing-focused grants, eligible expenses include the creation of promotional materials, image marketing, website development or enhancement, tourism awareness campaigns, and specialized advertising. However, the program excludes funding for advertisements targeting county residents, signage intended primarily for local consumption, or marketing efforts duplicative of WCTPA campaigns. Capital project grants must serve to develop or enhance existing tourism-related attractions or amenities. Qualifying expenditures include the acquisition or restoration of historic or cultural features, installation of on-site signage, and improvements to tourism facilities, provided the applicant owns or holds a long-term lease or easement on the property. Applications must be submitted online via the WCTPA portal by 3:00 PM on November 12, 2025. Late applications will not be considered, and the responsibility for timely submission lies solely with the applicant. The performance period for funded projects spans from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026. The grant is anticipated to recur annually, with the next application cycle expected to support projects running from May 1, 2026, through April 30, 2027. Applications for the subsequent cycle are projected to open in February 2026. Applicants seeking additional information or requiring assistance may contact Dana Bucci, Director of Finance & Tourism Administration for Washington County, at dana@washcochamber.com or by phone at (724) 225-3010. All inquiries should be directed to the WCTPA in advance of the application deadline to ensure compliance with all program requirements.

Strong emphasis on projects that generate overnight stays; local advertising and general for-profit marketing are ineligible.