How much funding does Rural Tourism Support (RTS) Program provide?

Funding amounts vary. Check the grant details for specifics.

When is the deadline for Rural Tourism Support (RTS) Program?

This grant has a rolling deadline or the deadline has not been announced.

Rural Tourism Support (RTS) Program

Washington Tourism Alliance

Foundation Annual Travel & Tourism Grants Community Development Grants Grants for Nonprofits

Funding Amount

Varies

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Rural Tourism Support (RTS) Program

Funder: State of Washington Tourism (Washington Tourism Alliance)

Geographic Scope: Washington State, targeting rural and tourism-dependent communities

Program Type: Strategic destination development program with community-based approach

Program Overview:
The RTS program guides development of an actionable vision for regional tourism among stakeholders in rural communities. It serves as a key pillar of SWT's destination development strategy and operates as a vital resource for underserved communities.

Program Duration: 6-9 months of facilitated workshops and planning

Key Components:

Community tourism approach to destination development

Facilitated by sustainable tourism expert Kristin Dahl (Crosscurrent Collective)

Local stakeholder committee determines key action items

10-year vision development for destination evolution

Regional, national, and global travel trend analysis

Goal: Improve quality of place for visitors and residents

Focus on sustainable tourism and regenerative travel

Eligibility:

Must identify tourism as economic development strategy

Intent to work collaboratively with regional partners

Applicant types: Destination marketing organizations, businesses, community organizations, local governments, tribal governments and enterprises, or combinations thereof

Must represent underserved/rural communities

Selection Process:

Competitive selection by panel of industry experts

Annual selection of destination partner

Inaugural selection (2021): Tri-County Economic Development District (TEDD) in Northeastern Washington

Second selection (2023): Walla Walla region

Third selection (2024): Snoqualmie Valley

Post-Program Opportunities:

Upon successful completion, tourism stakeholders encouraged to apply for financial assistance from SWT and other funding sources

Support available for priority projects identified in community workshops

Contact: Matthew Ozuna, SWT Destination Development Manager, matthew@stateofwatourism.com

Website: industry.stateofwatourism.com

How to Apply

Application Process

1. Download application form for RTS program from State of Washington Tourism

2. Application contents:
- Identification of tourism as economic development strategy
- Demonstration of intent to collaborate with regional partners
- Description of visitor destination goals
- Regional context and stakeholder commitment
- Project objectives and timeline

3. Submission:
- Submit via email to Matthew Ozuna, matthew@stateofwatourism.com
- Include "Destination Development Application" in subject line
- Application deadline: Varies by cycle (historically April 20 for spring cycles)
- Award announcement: Approximately 3-5 weeks after deadline

4. Evaluation:
- Competitive review by panel of industry experts
- Evaluation based on tourism strategy, collaboration potential, and community readiness

5. Program participation (if selected):
- 6-9 months of community workshops and planning sessions
- Facilitation by sustainable tourism expert
- Stakeholder committee formation
- Development of 10-year destination vision
- Strategic action planning

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What Washington Tourism Alliance actually gave

Source: IRS Form 990-PF, 2024

Grants in 2024: 67
Total given: $1.81M
Median grant: $20K
Range: $7,500–$82K

By dollars: Washington 100%. Top recipient cities: Bellingham, WA; Seattle, WA; Port Angeles, WA.
0% of grants with a stated purpose were for general or operating support.

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