Emerging Destination Marketing Grant Program

The Emerging Destination Marketing Grant Program supports the growth of South Carolina's tourism by providing funding to eligible non-profit organizations. With grants ranging from $100,000 to $200,000, matched 2 to 1 with private funds, this program aims to enhance out-of-state marketing efforts. Eligible applicants must demonstrate significant tourism marketing experience, focusing on generating new visitation and improving local quality of life. This initiative is crucial for bolstering South Carolina's economy through sustainable tourism development.

The Emerging Destination Marketing Grant Program is designed to provide highly-developed, emerging tourism destinations in South Carolina with financial resources that can be leveraged against local, privately collected funds for the purpose of generating new visitation through select tourism advertising activities.
Grant amounts range from $100,000 to $200,000 and are available on a 2 to 1 reimbursable cash match.* Match funds must be private funds specifically designated for the purpose of matching state funds.

Eligibility

The applicant must be a federal non-profit organization 501(c) specifically charged with marketing tourism for a specific city or unincorporated county area in South Carolina that generated more than $700,000 per year in State Accommodations Tax in the previous fiscal year.Cash Match: 2 to 1Grant funds are to be used exclusively for Out-of-State marketing expenses, includingPaid Advertising Placement (Digital, Print, Radio, Television, OOH, Social Media)Search Engine MarketingPublic Relations (Hard Costs associated with Media FAM Tours including travel expenses such as flights, meals, lodging, admission fees to attractions for visiting/hosted media and in-market transportation expenses, such as a motor coach or small bus or van rental fees, for transporting media while in-market).Each applicant is limited to one application up to $200,000 in total EDM Grant funds per fiscal year.

Ineligibility

Destination cannot receive federal appropriations. Destination cannot receive funding through the Destination Specific Marketing Fund or the Tourism Advertising Grant. The applicant cannot have any significant and unresolved issues with any grant program administered by SCPRT.In-kind matches are not allowed.Ineligible Expenses:Advertising Design/Production (Digital, Print, Radio, Television, OOH, Social Media)Social Media/Word of Mouth/Viral Marketing expensesTrade Show/Convention exhibitor fees and booth design/productionWebsite development, hosting or maintenanceSearch Engine OptimizationVisitor Guide design/productionMarket/Consumer/Brand/Advertising ResearchSpecial Event hostingIn-state marketing or advertising expensesOverhead costs including, but not limited to Property/Equipment Leases, Office Supplies, Salary, Employee Fringe Benefits, Travel, Conference Registrations, Membership Fees, Retainer Fees, Agency Fees and CommissionsPR Firm Fees and ExpensesClipping Services