Cass County Tourism Marketing Grant

The Cass County Tourism Marketing Grant aims to boost tourism in Cass County by funding nonprofit organizations focused on promoting events and attractions. With a maximum of $2,500 available, this competitive grant supports a variety of marketing activities, including advertising, website development, and distribution costs. Eligibility requires a 501(c)3 status, and projects must be completed within the calendar year. Priority is given to initiatives attracting visitors from outside the area, fostering community engagement and economic growth.

Administered by the Cass County Tourism Committee (an advisory group to the Cass county Board of Commissioners), the annual grant program is designed to promote tourism in the county by providing funding to tourism-related nonprofit organizations.
The purpose of this grant is to attract additional visitors to Cass County by providing funding to promote events, activities and/or general marketing for Cass County’s public and nonprofit attractions. The funds available through this program are from the collection of Lodging Tax in Cass County. The statute states that these funds are to be used to generally promote, encourage, and attract visitors to Cass County and to use tourism facilities.

Eligibility

Public organizations with nonprofit 501(c)3 or other non-profit designation. Proof of nonprofit status must accompany application.
Funds are available on a competitive basis to any visitor attraction, community event, or area (more than one community) event held within Cass County with 501(c) (3) or other nonprofit status whose primary purpose is to encourage tourism and promote Cass County.Grant project must be completed within calendar year.
A report including updated project narrative and actual expenses must be submitted to the Cass County Tourism Committee no later than 30 days after project completion.
Grant payment will be made based upon documentation of actual approved expenditures.Eligible Expenses:Event advertising, brochures, posters, etc.Website DevelopmentDistribution costs of event/attraction promotionTV or radio commercialsPostage (current charitable rates)Mileage (marketing distribution at current charitable rates)Virtual events are permitted only should the local event need to change due to a pandemic for public safety.After award is announce a Grant Agreement must be signed to accept award given and responsibilities for project.All eligible marketing expenses must be documented and will be reimbursed at a rate of 75%, not to exceed the $2,500.00 maximum. Only one marketing grant may be submitted for each project. Budget must accompany application.

Ineligibility

It specifically states that these funds cannot be used for capital construction or improvements. Ineligible Expenses:Giveaways prior to or during the event (e.g. trophies, t-shirts, pens, etc.)Travel expenses or charter vehicle expensesReception room or social event activities prior to or during the eventSupplies or equipment-Funds for general operating expensesAdditional or current personnel salariesItems not included in the Approved Grant ApplicationWebsite Hosting and/or MaintenanceAny assistance that does not conform to the intent of LB499-Blurry or unreadable invoices or advertising