Special Event and Tourism Grants

The City of Redmond, Washington administers the Tourism Promotion Program, which includes the Special Event and Tourism Grants designed to stimulate economic activity by attracting overnight visitors. The program is funded through a portion of the lodging tax collected on hotel stays within the city. Oversight and evaluation of grant applications are conducted by the Redmond Lodging Tax Advisory Committee, which reviews proposals and forwards funding recommendations to the City Council for final approval. The program is structured to support initiatives that meaningfully contribute to tourism growth, local business revenue, and the overall visibility of Redmond as a destination. The primary purpose of this grant program is to fund projects and events that increase tourism, particularly those that bring visitors from outside a 50 mile radius and encourage overnight stays in paid accommodations. Eligible projects include tourism marketing campaigns, special events and festivals, and operations of tourism related facilities owned or operated by nonprofit organizations. These activities must align with Washington State law governing lodging tax expenditures and must demonstrate a clear strategy for increasing visitor numbers and economic impact. Capital expenditures are generally not allowed unless they are tied to city owned or public facilities. Funding operates on a reimbursement basis, meaning applicants must first incur eligible expenses and provide proof of payment before receiving grant funds. Awards cannot exceed 50 percent of the total project cost, and a minimum award amount of 1000 dollars is specified. Applicants are required to present a detailed project budget including all revenue sources such as sponsorships, organizational contributions, and other grants. This structure ensures that funded projects have diversified financial support and shared investment in outcomes. Eligibility for the program is broad and includes public and private organizations capable of executing tourism related projects. This encompasses businesses, nonprofit organizations, community groups, cultural institutions, educational entities, and sports organizations. Nonprofit applicants must provide proof of tax exempt status where applicable. The program is intentionally inclusive to encourage innovative proposals and wide participation across sectors that can contribute to tourism growth in Redmond. The application process requires submission of a completed application form by the stated deadline, including detailed descriptions of the project, budget, marketing strategies, and projected tourism impact metrics such as attendance and overnight stays. Applicants must also explain how their project aligns with the City of Redmond tourism strategy and funding criteria, including innovation, community impact, and ability to attract visitors. Applications are competitively scored using a weighted matrix, and funding decisions consider both the merits of individual proposals and overall funding availability. Key evaluation criteria include the project’s ability to promote Redmond as a destination, attract visitors from outside the region, generate overnight stays, and contribute positively to the community’s image. Innovation and uniqueness are also considered, as well as the extent to which projects demonstrate measurable tourism impact. Applicants must provide data collection methods and projections for attendance and lodging usage, reinforcing the program’s emphasis on accountability and measurable outcomes. The 2027 grant cycle opens on July 20 and closes on August 10 at 5 p.m. Pacific Time, with no late submissions accepted. Funded applicants must enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the City, outlining requirements such as reporting, branding obligations, and reimbursement procedures. Following project completion, recipients must submit a final report documenting attendance, economic impact, and supporting financial documentation. This grant is offered on an annual basis, reflecting the City’s ongoing commitment to tourism development and economic vitality.

Emphasize measurable tourism impact including overnight stays; demonstrate ability to attract visitors from more than 50 miles; provide strong data collection methodology; align with Redmond tourism strategy