Sports Grant

Funder: Iowa Tourism Office (division of Iowa Economic Development Authority), administered by Greater Burlington Sports Commission

Geographic Scope: Greater Burlington area; sporting events must attract tourists from outside an 80-mile radius

Focus Areas: Non-professional sporting events including youth sports, high school athletic activities, and Special Olympics

Award Structure:

• State funding: $50,000 per selected grant partner
• Required cash match: $25,000 (50% of awarded amount = $25,000 contribution required from each partner)
• Program distributes $50,000 total to ten Iowa Sports Commissions statewide

Eligibility:

• Must be a sporting event that attracts tourists from outside an 80-mile radius
• Must be non-professional events (youth sports, high school athletics, Special Olympics)
• Applicant must pay all eligible expenses and save receipts for reimbursement

Program Requirements:

• Funds must be spent between July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024
• Each selected partner contributes 50% of their awarded amount as cash match
• All receipts, proof of payment, and documentation must be submitted for reimbursement

Eligible Expenses:

• Event Marketing (print, digital, billboard in markets 80+ miles outside Des Moines County)
• Direct Mail Campaign Expenses (development, printing, postage; must include Greater Burlington Sports Commission and Iowa Economic Development Authority logos)
• Printed Materials (pre-event promotional pieces; must include logos)
• Bid fees, rights fees, or guarantee money for events or tournaments
• Equipment or venue rental
• Fees and costs for officials

Application Process

1. Download Application: Obtain the FY24 Sports Grant application form from the Greater Burlington Partnership website
2. Partner with Sports Commission: Work with the Greater Burlington Sports Commission to submit application
3. Submit Application: Complete and return application (specific submission details not provided in available materials)
4. Document Expenses: Track all eligible expenses with receipts and proof of payment
5. Request Reimbursement: Submit documentation to Greater Burlington Convention & Visitors Bureau for expense reimbursement

Required Materials

• FY24 Sports Grant application form
• Documentation of all eligible expenses
• Receipts and proof of payment
• Event marketing materials showing Greater Burlington Sports Commission and Iowa Economic Development Authority logos (for applicable expenses)

Notes

• The Greater Burlington Sports Commission will partner with local sporting event organizations to submit the application
• All eligible expenses must be documented and saved for submission
• Reimbursement contingent on proper documentation