Room Tax Grant Program

The Room Tax Grant Program is administered by the Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau, the designated agency responsible for allocating Hotel Room Tax revenues collected in Sullivan and Wyoming counties for tourism development purposes. A portion of these tax revenues, specifically thirty percent, is reserved annually for distribution through this competitive grant program. The program is designed to stimulate tourism growth, enhance visitor experiences, and strengthen the regional economy by supporting projects that attract visitors and encourage overnight stays. The grant supports a range of project types that directly contribute to tourism development. Eligible categories include special events or exhibits that are open to the public and promoted beyond a fifty-mile radius; marketing and promotional initiatives that demonstrate measurable tourism impact; historical preservation efforts that restore or maintain culturally significant sites while enhancing their value as tourist attractions; and wayfinding projects such as maps and signage that improve visitor navigation. Each category is structured to ensure that funded projects align with the broader goal of increasing tourism and expanding the region’s visibility. Funding provided through this program is subject to specific use restrictions and cost-sharing requirements. All applicants must provide a minimum 25 percent cash or in-kind match. Grant funds cannot be used for operational expenses such as payroll, utilities, insurance, or travel, nor for food, entertainment, or sectarian religious purposes. However, funds may be used to match federal or state grants, provided those projects directly impact tourism. These restrictions ensure that funds are directed toward tangible, tourism-focused outcomes rather than ongoing organizational costs. Eligibility is limited to officially recognized nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) status, as well as branches of local or county government. Applicants must demonstrate organizational capacity through at least one year of audited financial reports and a proven track record of attracting audiences from outside a fifty-mile radius. These criteria are intended to ensure that funded organizations have both the financial stability and marketing experience necessary to deliver measurable tourism benefits. The application process requires submission of a complete application form along with multiple supporting documents, including financial statements, organizational budgets, marketing plans, and project-specific materials. Applicants must also respond to a structured set of narrative questions covering organizational mission, project goals, tourism impact, management capacity, evaluation methods, and matching funds. Five unbound copies of the application and all required attachments must be submitted by mail and postmarked by the stated deadline. Applications undergo an initial review by the Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau to verify compliance with program requirements. Qualified applications are then forwarded to the appropriate county for final approval, which may involve additional information requests. This two-step review process ensures both administrative compliance and local alignment with tourism priorities. Award recipients are notified several months after submission and must return signed contracts to receive funding. The program operates on an annual cycle, with applications opening in early June and closing in late September. Award notifications are issued in January of the following year, and funded projects must comply with reporting requirements, including submission of a final report approximately one year after award distribution. The program also includes informational resources such as webinars to assist applicants in understanding requirements and improving submission quality. For assistance, applicants may contact the Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau directly via phone or email.