Tourism Marketing Grant

The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau (HVAB) offers a Tourism Marketing Grant program designed to enhance tourism activity in Centre County, Pennsylvania. Funded by the Centre County Room Tax, this grant supports marketing projects and special events that stimulate visitation, overnight stays, and related tourism spending. It is important to note that operational or administrative expenses are explicitly excluded from funding, emphasizing HVAB's goal of maximizing direct tourism impacts. The grant prioritizes projects that draw visitors from beyond the county lines and can demonstrate measurable outcomes related to increased tourism activity. Eligible applicants for the HVAB Tourism Marketing Grant include nonprofit organizations and governmental units that are either based in Centre County or producing a qualifying event or project within its borders. Examples include cultural, educational, historical, recreational, and special event organizations. Each applicant must have a valid Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN). The program places importance on geographic relevance and the potential for economic return through increased tourism. Allowable uses of the grant include marketing and advertising activities as well as special events specifically crafted to attract visitors. Conversely, the grant cannot be used for political or religious activities, memberships or advertising with organizations located outside Centre County, or any initiatives that directly compete with local private-sector tourism efforts. Additionally, applicants must provide a match of at least 25% of the requested grant amount. This match can consist of cash contributions, sponsorships, or donated funds and services, but not staff time or volunteer hours. All matching funds must be fully documented. Applications open on January 22, 2026, at 8:00 AM EST and close on March 21, 2026, at 5:00 PM EDT. The performance period for funded activities runs from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. All grant funds must be expended within this timeframe unless an extension is formally requested and approved by HVAB. Unspent funds after the deadline will be forfeited. Fund disbursement is timed to align with project implementation and the eligibility of related expenditures. HVAB imposes specific branding requirements for all funded projects. Grantees must use the HVAB logo in all marketing and promotional materials and adhere to usage guidelines covering print, digital, TV, and radio formats. Standard acknowledgment language must be included. Compliance is further reinforced by mandatory final reporting. Recipients are required to submit a final report within 90 days of project completion, using HVAB’s online form and uploading all related financial and marketing documents. Records must be maintained for at least three years, and any change to the approved project scope requires prior HVAB approval. Applicants are reminded that submission does not guarantee funding. Past grantees must have completed their final reports before receiving new funds. HVAB reserves the right to limit or withhold awards depending on available resources. For inquiries before applying, applicants may contact the grant program via email at HVABgrantprogram@happyvalley.com. The submission platform for this grant is SurveyMonkey Apply, and applicants must confirm they understand the guidelines before proceeding.