Event Trust Funds Program

The Event Trust Funds Program is administered by the Office of the Governor’s Economic Development and Tourism Office in the State of Texas. The program was established to support the attraction and hosting of high-impact events within Texas by creating event-specific trust funds. These funds are designed to offset eligible costs associated with preparing for and conducting events that generate measurable economic activity. The program includes three distinct funding mechanisms: the Events Trust Fund (ETF), the Major Events Reimbursement Program (MERP), and the Motor Sports Racing Trust Fund (MSRTF), each tailored to different types of events and eligibility thresholds. The primary purpose of the program is to incentivize event organizers to select Texas as a host location by leveraging projected increases in tax revenue generated by the event. The funding mechanism is unique in that it is not a traditional grant with a fixed appropriation. Instead, the program captures incremental increases in specific state and local tax revenues attributable to the event, including sales and use tax, hotel occupancy tax, vehicle rental tax, mixed beverage tax, and certain alcoholic beverage taxes. These projected gains are deposited into a dedicated trust fund and used to reimburse eligible event-related expenses. Eligible applicants include municipalities, counties, and nonprofit local organizing committees that are endorsed by a Texas municipality or county. To qualify, the event must be selected through a highly competitive site selection process conducted by an independent organization that considered locations outside of Texas. Additional statutory requirements include that the event occurs no more than once per year and that the selected Texas location serves as the sole site for the event or the only site within a defined multi-state region. Funding is provided on a reimbursement basis following the completion of the event and submission of required documentation. The state contribution is capped at the estimated increase in state tax revenues generated by the event, while the applicant must contribute a local share based on a required ratio. Specifically, for every $6.25 contributed by the state, the applicant must provide $1 in local tax gains. The program allows for up to 100 percent of allowable expenses to be reimbursed, provided sufficient tax revenue is generated and deposited into the trust fund. There is no predefined minimum or maximum award amount, as funding levels depend entirely on projected and actual economic impact. The application process requires submission of a comprehensive application packet, including an endorsement letter, selection letter from the site selection organization, and an economic impact study detailing anticipated attendance and spending. Additional required documents include affidavits and an event support contract outlining obligations and eligible costs. Applications must be submitted within specific timeframes depending on the type of fund, generally no later than 120 days before the event for ETF and MSRTF, and 45 days prior for MERP events. Following application approval, applicants must adhere to a structured timeline that includes submission of attendance certification, local share contribution, and a disbursement request with supporting documentation. The Office of the Governor reviews all submitted costs to determine eligibility and reimbursement amounts. Strict documentation and compliance requirements apply, including verification of attendance and detailed proof of expenditures. Disbursements are made via direct deposit after review and approval, and any unused funds are returned proportionally to contributors. The program operates on a rolling application basis, though specific deadlines apply relative to the event date. Because funding is tied directly to economic impact and tax generation, applicants must carefully document projected and actual outcomes. This structure ensures accountability while aligning state investment with measurable economic benefits. For additional information or application materials, applicants may contact the program via eventsfund@gov.texas.gov or by phone at 512-936-0100.

Ensure all costs are included in the Event Support Contract; provide detailed and verifiable documentation; align economic impact data with required tax categories; submit complete application to avoid delays