HOT Funds Grants Program

Funder: Mineral Wells Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitor's Bureau (CVB)

Geographic Scope: Mineral Wells and Palo Pinto County, Texas

Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) Funds are tax revenue generated by hotel stays. The City of Mineral Wells and Palo Pinto County have contracted with the Mineral Wells Area Chamber of Commerce to administer these grants. Events conducted by organizations may qualify for grants of HOT Funds if they promote tourism and the convention and hotel industry.

Funding Eligibility Criteria

All expenditures must pass a two-part test:

1. Criteria #1: Every expenditure must DIRECTLY enhance and promote tourism AND the convention and hotel industry.
2. Criteria #2: Every expenditure MUST clearly fit into one of nine statutorily provided categories.

Eligible Categories

Grants are most often awarded for:

• Paying for tourism related advertising and promotion of Mineral Wells and/or Palo Pinto County
• Funding programs and/or events to promote the arts including instrumental and vocal music, dance, drama, folk art, creative writing, architecture, design and allied fields, painting, sculpture, photography, graphic and craft arts, motion picture, radio, television, tape and sound recording, and other arts related to the presentation, performance, execution, and exhibition of these major art forms
• Funding historical restoration and preservation projects or activities or advertising and conducting solicitation and promotional programs to encourage tourists and convention delegates to visit preserved historic sites or museums

Key Requirements

• Events must produce at least 10 room nights (confirmed by hoteliers)
• Post-Event Form MUST be submitted within 90 days of event/project completion (no exceptions)
• Receipts for qualified expenses must accompany post-event form
• Majority of grant funds allocated during the designated Open Grant Period (fall)
• Requests outside the open period subject to availability of remaining funds

Open Grant Period (Annual)

1. October 1, 2024: Application period opens
2. November 13, 2024: Applications due before 5:00 p.m.
3. November 20, 2024: Tourism Advisory Board begins reviewing applications
   • Former and new applicants may be asked to present to the Council
   • Have a representative available during that time
4. January 2025: Board of Directors approves grants
5. By January 31, 2025: Applicants receive letter informing them of funding amount

Outside Open Grant Period

• Grant requests accepted throughout the year
• Subject to availability of remaining funds
• Majority of funds allocated during the fall Open Grant Period

Post-Event Requirements

1. Within 90 days of event/project completion: Submit Post-Event Form to the Chamber
2. Provide proof of room nights: Confirm at least 10 room nights with hoteliers, include in Post-Event Form
3. Submit receipts: Include receipts for all qualified expenses with post-event form

Note: Post-Event Form submission is mandatory with no exceptions.