Tourism Program Grants

Purpose: Support activity that would attract visitors to Redmond, Washington to help increase overnight stays in Redmond hotels during non-peak times, directly benefiting the local economy and hospitality industry.

Geographic Scope

• Redmond, Washington only

Funding Source

Funding comes from the Redmond zone of the Bellevue Redmond Tourism Promotion Area, supported by revenues collected through nightly hotel fees ($2.50 per night fee at hotels in Redmond).

Award Details

• Maximum Grant Amount: $10,000
• Detailed budget required to ensure efficient allocation of funds

Increased Overnight Stays

• Projects must create a significant increase in overnight hotel stays in Redmond during non-peak periods
• Applicants must provide specific details such as:
  • Expected number of visitors
  • Estimated number of hotel nights
  • Projected dates that coincide with slower times for the hospitality industry

Impact on Local Business

• Attracting visitors to Redmond creates positive ripple effects on other local businesses including restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues
• Projects should help boost overall economic activity in Redmond during traditionally slower months

Priority

• Prioritization given to events that take place from September through May (non-peak tourism season)

Eligible Activities

• Tourism promotion efforts
• Event and cultural activities
• Outdoor recreation opportunities
• Culinary destinations
• Other activities that help generate additional hotel room nights

Application Timeline

• Applications accepted: All year based on fund availability
• Review period: Within 30 days of receiving the request
• Approval timeline: Within 90 days of receiving the request
• Applicants will be notified by email of decision

Background

The City of Redmond and Bellevue established a Tourism Promotion Area (TPA) on July 1, 2023, to boost the region's tourism economy. The TPA is initially in effect for five years. TPA funds can only be spent on tourism promotion efforts.

Contact Information

• Email: tourism@oneredmond.org
• Mailing Address: OneRedmond, ATTN: Audrey Fan, 8383 158th Ave NE Suite 225, Redmond, WA 98052
• Phone: (425) 885-4014
• Website: oneredmond.org

Application Process

1. Download Application Form
   • Available in PDF or Word document format from oneredmond.org/tourism-grants/
2. Complete Application
   • Fill out the grant application form completely
3. Prepare Supporting Documents
   • Gather all supporting materials to accompany application
   • Required: Detailed budget showing how funds will be allocated
   • Required: Specific details on expected visitors, hotel nights, and timing
4. Submit Application
   • Choose one submission method:
   • By Mail: OneRedmond, ATTN: Audrey Fan, 8383 158th Ave NE Suite 225, Redmond, WA 98052
   • By Email: tourism@oneredmond.org (use Subject Line: "Tourism Promotion Grant Application")
5. Await Decision
   • Applications reviewed within 30 days
   • Approval decision provided within 90 days of receipt
   • Notification by email

Required Materials

• Completed application form (PDF or Word)
• Detailed budget
• Supporting documentation addressing grant criteria:
  • Expected number of visitors
  • Estimated number of hotel nights
  • Projected event dates (preferably September-May)
  • Explanation of impact on local businesses