Tourism Enhancement Grant

The HVAB Tourism Enhancement Grant, administered by The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau (HVAB), is a program designed to support tourism development and capital infrastructure projects that directly enhance the tourism experience in Centre County, Pennsylvania. This funding initiative is made possible through the Centre County Room Tax and is governed by Pennsylvania Act 18, along with the policies set forth by HVAB. The purpose of this grant program is to improve physical facilities that support or host tourism-related activities and increase visitation to the region. It is not intended to provide operational or administrative support. This grant program places a strong emphasis on capital improvements and infrastructure that yield measurable benefits for visitors. Applicants are encouraged to propose projects that enhance the quality of facilities accessible to tourists, such as upgrades to venues, attractions, and amenities that improve the visitor experience. The HVAB prioritizes proposals that clearly demonstrate their impact on tourism and which can quantify benefits in terms of increased attendance or improved satisfaction. Eligibility for this program is limited to nonprofit organizations and units of government that serve cultural, educational, historical, recreational, or special event functions. Applicants must hold a valid Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) and must either own, lease, or have long-term control of the project site within Centre County. The project itself must occur within the county, and applicants must be either based in or operating within its jurisdiction. The program restricts funding to specific types of improvements. Eligible uses include tourism enhancement initiatives and capital infrastructure upgrades that directly support tourism. However, grant funds cannot be used for operational costs, administrative expenses, routine maintenance, advertising, marketing, political or religious activities, or any projects not directly tied to tourism use. A cost-sharing requirement applies, and all applicants must provide a minimum 25% match of the requested grant amount. This match may be in the form of applicant cash, sponsorships, other grant funding, or documented donations of goods or services. Volunteer hours and staff time are not eligible as matching funds. The performance period for funded projects spans from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. All awarded funds must be expended within this period unless a formal extension is requested and approved by HVAB. Funds are disbursed in alignment with the timing of eligible expenditures, and any unspent funds after June 30, 2027 will be forfeited without an extension. Grant recipients are required to submit a final report within 90 days of project completion, using HVAB’s reporting system, and must include financial and project documentation while retaining records for at least three years. The grant program opens on January 22, 2026 at 8:00 AM (EST) and closes on March 27, 2026 at 5:00 PM (EDT). All applications must be submitted through the designated SurveyMonkey Apply portal. It is important to note that submission does not guarantee funding, and applicants must have submitted final reports for any prior-year awards to be considered for new funding. Interested applicants may direct questions to HVAB’s grant contact email at HVABgrantprogram@happyvalley.com.