Gering Occupation Tax Grant

The Gering Occupation Tax Grant is administered by the City of Gering, Nebraska, through its Visitors Bureau and City Council, and is funded by a local occupation tax applied to lodging-related economic activity. The program is designed to support projects, infrastructure, and promotional efforts that directly contribute to increased tourism and overnight stays within Gering and Scotts Bluff County. The overarching objective of the grant is to stimulate economic activity by attracting visitors and extending their stays, often referred to as “heads on beds,” which serves as the primary guiding principle for funding decisions. Funding through this program is intended to support a wide range of tourism-related initiatives, including but not limited to promotion of the convention and hospitality industry, development of group travel markets such as sports tournaments or motorcoach tours, and general tourism promotion. Additional eligible uses include advertising campaigns, transportation systems for visitors, wayfinding signage, expansion or enhancement of visitor attractions, and the development of new recreational or cultural facilities. Funds may also support arts promotion and certain operational expenses directly tied to tourism-related events or projects. However, the program explicitly prohibits the use of funds for general operating expenses unrelated to the funded project, items not included in the approved application, or routine maintenance and replacement of existing structural components. Eligibility for the grant extends to both municipal entities and non-profit organizations operating within the zoning jurisdiction of Gering. Projects must demonstrate a clear connection to tourism development and economic impact, particularly in generating overnight stays. Applications are evaluated based on a standardized scoring rubric that assesses alignment with funding priorities, projected economic impact, and the overall merit of the proposal. Preference may be given to applicants who have not received funding within the past three years, and the City Council retains discretion in final funding decisions. The application process requires submission of a comprehensive proposal including a project description, detailed budget, supporting financial documentation, and any contractor bids for capital projects. Applicants must also provide estimates of attendance, projected overnight stays, and broader economic impacts such as retail sales or media exposure. Following submission, applications undergo an initial review by the Gering Visitors Bureau Director to ensure completeness, after which they are evaluated by the Occupation Tax Fund Grant Application Advisory Committee. Applicants are required to present their proposals in person during an open meeting, allowing for questions and further evaluation. The funding schedule is structured around two grant categories: minor grants of $10,000 or less and major grants exceeding $10,000. Minor grants are considered twice annually in May and November, while major grants are reviewed in February and August. Applications must be submitted at least 30 days prior to the relevant consideration date. Awards are typically distributed as reimbursements upon project completion, although applicants may request up to 50 percent of funds in advance depending on financial need. A memorandum of understanding is executed upon award, outlining obligations and reporting requirements. Post-award, recipients are required to submit an After Action Report detailing outcomes such as attendance figures, hotel room usage, and economic impact. Larger projects may require periodic updates during implementation. Additionally, recipients must acknowledge the City of Gering’s support through signage. The program is designed to encourage new tourism-driven initiatives rather than subsidize ongoing operations, reinforcing its focus on growth and development within the local tourism economy.

Focus on demonstrating measurable overnight stays and tourism impact align project clearly with funding priorities provide detailed budgets and strong economic justification