Capital Construction Grants

Capital Construction Grants

Funder: Fargo-Moorhead Convention & Visitors Bureau (Visit Fargo-Moorhead)

Geographic Scope: Fargo, Moorhead, and West Fargo (ND/MN)

Funding Source: One-third (1 penny on the dollar) of the lodging tax levied in Fargo and West Fargo. The entire three percent lodging tax from Moorhead goes to the operating budget, but Moorhead entities can apply for grants.

Background

The FM CVB Board of Directors manages a Capital Grant Program for projects involving capital construction costs that will have a demonstrable and positive effect on the community's economy. Projects must be directly related to tourism and contribute to enhancing the community's livability, sense of place, and visitor experience.

Guiding Philosophy

The program assists projects that:
• Seek to create new economic benefits in the community through hotel room nights and other economic benefits of inbound travel
• Seek to address needs that are currently being unmet
• Seek to create facilities that do not currently exist in Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo

Eligibility

• Applicants: Legally incorporated non-profit organizations only. No individuals may be awarded grants.
• Restriction: Applicants and organizations that have NOT been awarded a grant in the past 12 months

Grant Criteria

• All requests must be for capital construction related to tourism
• Capital construction costs are defined as the purchase, equipping, maintenance, construction, repair, or acquisition of buildings or property consistent with a visitor attraction
• NOT eligible: Debt refinancing, previously incurred expenses, and general operating expenses
• Maximum funding: Funds requested may not constitute more than 25% of a project's total cost
• Projects will be evaluated based on potential to attract and/or retain visitors that would contribute to lodging tax collection and events
• Applicants must demonstrate the potential effect on tourism
• FM CVB Board reserves the right to approve or reject requests and request further clarification
• FM CVB may stipulate that funds be used for specific portions of the project vital to increasing tourism
• Reallocation restrictions: Reallocation of funding for purposes other than those stipulated by the FM CVB Board requires prior written approval. Failure to comply may result in forfeiture of remaining payments and/or reimbursement of previous payments

Application Windows for 2026

• Q2 2026 consideration: January 1 - March 31, 2026
• Q3 2026 consideration: July 1-31, 2026
• Q4 2026 consideration: September 1-30, 2026
• Q1 2027 consideration: December 1-31, 2026

Upon Approval - Grant Recipient Obligations

• Recognition: Recognition commensurate with award amount (naming rights, sponsorship benefits, or signage) is required and must be approved by FM CVB
• Community awareness: The Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo community must be aware of FM CVB's contribution
• Signage: Language on signage during construction acknowledging FM CVB's contribution (Sample: "This project was made possible in part by a grant from Visit Fargo-Moorhead")
• Payment schedule: FM CVB Board may choose to make payments over a several-year schedule at its sole discretion
• Facility availability: Facility must be made available to FM CVB at no cost for events (number based on grant amount awarded):
- Grants of $100,000 or less: Up to 2 events within 5 years - Grants greater than $100,000 up to $500,000: Up to 6 events within 5 years - Grants greater than $500,000: Up to 10 events within 10 years - If FM CVB requests dates more than 12 months in advance: facility use and equipment at no cost - Ancillary costs (labor, rented equipment, hospitality) may be charged - Standard cost shares (merchandise, concessions, credit card fees) may remain in effect
• Reporting: No later than January 31 each calendar year for 3 years after project completion, recipient must provide detailed report of all events and estimated attendance. If few hotel stays, must document efforts to promote overnight stays.

Contact

• Visit Fargo-Moorhead
• 2001 44th Street South, Fargo, ND 58103
• (701) 282-3653
• Website: fargomoorhead.org