Sponsorship Program

Geographic Scope: Highlands, North Carolina

Overview:
Visit Highlands, NC provides sponsorship support to local nonprofits, cultural institutions, and community events. As of February 27, 2026, the Chamber distributed sponsorship support totaling $420,110.00 (fiscal year-to-date).

Eligible Applicants:

• Local nonprofit organizations
• Cultural institutions
• Community event organizers

Focus Areas:
Sponsorship supports:

• Arts and cultural events and festivals
• Performance and cultural programming
• Community events that drive economic impact
• Signature Highlands festivals and experiences

Recent Sponsorship Recipients (FY 2025-2026):

• The Bascom (Dahlia Festival/Clay Symposium)
• The Center for Life Enrichment
• Highlands Festivals Inc. (Highlands Food & Wine/Bear Shadow)
• Highlands Motoring Festival
• Highlands Performing Arts Center (Highlands Cashiers Film Festival/Concert Series)
• Highlands Rotary (Twilight 5K)
• Mountain Theatre Company
• Mountaintop Rotary (Mountaintop Art and Craft Show)

Review Process:
A committee comprised of volunteers and staff reviews sponsorship applications and recommends approval to the Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC Board of Directors.

Contact Information:

• Email: grants@highlandschamber.org
• Phone: 828-526-5841
• Website: https://www.highlandschamber.org/chamber/grants-sponsorship/

Application Process

1. Complete Application: Fill out the Sponsorship Application form
2. Submit Application: Email completed application to grants@highlandschamber.org
3. Post-Award Requirement: Submit required Sponsorship Post Report after the sponsored event/program

Required Materials:

• Completed Sponsorship Application
• Sponsorship Post Report (after event/program completion)

Submission Format:

• Electronic submission via email to grants@highlandschamber.org