Tourism Organization Operating Grant

The Tourism Organization Operating Grant is offered through the City of Vancouver’s Lodging Tax Grant Program, administered with oversight from the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee. This program is funded through lodging tax revenues and is designed to reinvest tourism-generated funds back into initiatives that strengthen Vancouver’s position as a visitor destination. The City of Vancouver, Washington, operates this program as part of its broader economic development and tourism strategy, aligning funding decisions with long-term planning documents such as the City’s 2023-2029 Strategic Plan and Visit Vancouver’s 10-Year Destination Master Plan. The primary purpose of the Tourism Organization Operating Grant is to support nonprofit organizations that are directly engaged in destination marketing or tourism promotion efforts. These grants are specifically intended to enhance Vancouver’s visibility as a travel destination and to improve the overall visitor experience. Eligible activities include marketing campaigns, promotional initiatives, and operational support for organizations whose core mission is to attract visitors or promote tourism-related assets within the city. The funding is meant to strengthen the tourism ecosystem by enabling organizations to expand outreach, increase visitor engagement, and contribute to local economic growth. Funding for this grant is flexible, with no established award ceiling. Instead, award amounts are determined based on available lodging tax revenues, the strength and feasibility of the applicant’s proposed programs, and alignment with strategic tourism priorities. Allowable uses of funds include tourism marketing, event promotion, and operational expenses tied to tourism-focused programming. These uses are governed by Washington State legislation, specifically RCW 67.28.1816(1), which outlines permissible expenditures such as marketing, festival operations, and tourism facility support. There is no stated cost-sharing or matching requirement associated with this funding opportunity. Eligibility is limited to nonprofit organizations that hold either 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) status and that directly serve the tourism industry within the City of Vancouver. Applicants must demonstrate a clear connection between their activities and the promotion or enhancement of tourism in the city. Organizations must be actively engaged in marketing or promotional efforts that attract visitors or improve the visitor experience. The program is geographically restricted to entities serving Vancouver, Washington, and applicants must show that their work directly benefits this local tourism market. The application process is conducted through an annual funding cycle. For the 2027 funding year, applications open on August 4, 2026, and close on September 20, 2026. Applicants submit materials through the designated grant portal once available. While no formal pre-application is required, applicants may participate in optional consultation sessions offered by Visit Vancouver to refine visitor-related metrics and strengthen their proposals. Additionally, a virtual question and answer session is scheduled for August 19, 2026, providing applicants with an opportunity to clarify requirements and expectations. Applications are evaluated based on several criteria, including alignment with strategic plans, expected economic impact, seasonality considerations, geographic distribution of benefits, equity and inclusion, environmental sustainability, and the uniqueness of the proposed initiative. The strength of the application narrative and the organization’s ability to deliver measurable tourism outcomes are also key factors in funding decisions. Awards are issued for use in the following calendar year, meaning successful applicants for the 2026 application cycle will receive funding for activities taking place in 2027. For additional support, applicants may contact program administrators within the City of Vancouver’s Economic Prosperity and Housing department. Specific contacts include staff responsible for managing the grant program and providing guidance throughout the application process. Overall, the Tourism Organization Operating Grant represents a targeted investment in Vancouver’s tourism infrastructure, supporting organizations that play a critical role in attracting visitors and enhancing the city’s economic vitality through tourism development.

Align proposal with strategic plans and demonstrate measurable tourism impact including visitor numbers economic benefits and sustainability