City of Isle of Palms ATAX Grant

The Accommodations Tax Grant Program administered by the City of Isle of Palms in South Carolina provides financial support to organizations that promote tourism, the arts, and cultural activities through the allocation of funds generated by a 2% state accommodations tax. This tax applies to transient lodging such as hotels, inns, motels, and vacation rentals, and its proceeds are earmarked by South Carolina law for tourism-related activities that attract and provide for visitors. The Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee, which consists of seven appointed members representing the hospitality, lodging, and cultural sectors, oversees the review and recommendation process for grant awards. The committee acts in an advisory capacity to City Council, ensuring the allocation of these funds aligns with statutory and local guidelines. For fiscal year 2026, the City of Isle of Palms has announced that $35,000 remains available for eligible projects. Grant applications must be submitted electronically to the City Clerk by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 4, 2025. The application process is detailed and requires applicants to provide comprehensive information about the proposed project, including financial projections, budget breakdowns, expected tourism impact, and a detailed marketing plan. The application must also include historical financials if the organization has previously received ATAX funding. Applicants are further required to submit audited financial statements for the last two years or an audit review in the case of smaller entities. Eligible projects under this program may include advertising and promotion efforts, arts and cultural events aimed at attracting tourists, and the development, maintenance, or operation of facilities for public, civic, or cultural use. Following submission, applications undergo an initial staff review for legal and procedural compliance. Qualifying applicants are then invited to present their proposals at a public meeting scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 10, 2025. Committee members will evaluate the presentations and make award recommendations to the City Council in their October meeting. Successful applicants must fulfill several post-award requirements, including insurance coverage naming the City of Isle of Palms as an additional insured and executing a hold harmless agreement. The City emphasizes the importance of thoroughness and accuracy in application materials, warning that incomplete or non-compliant submissions will not be considered. While the grant is funded through a state-mandated tax, it is administered locally, and therefore tailored to meet the specific tourism goals of the Isle of Palms community. The grant is recurring annually, with a typical submission cycle closing in early September and presentations occurring shortly thereafter. The next anticipated cycle is expected to open in August 2026, and interested applicants are advised to begin preparations several months in advance to ensure eligibility and completeness. All inquiries related to the application process should be directed to Nicole DeNeane, City Clerk, via email at nicoled@iop.net. City Hall, located at 1207 Palm Blvd., Isle of Palms, SC 29451, serves as the venue for committee meetings and applicant presentations.

Ensure complete application including budget, audited financials, and evidence of tourism impact. Attendance at the presentation meeting is mandatory.