Tourism Sustainability Grant Program

Geographic Scope: Washington State, all 11 regional destinations

Program Type: Competitive grant program

Focus Areas:

• New festivals and events
• Tourism infrastructure
• Outdoor recreation projects
• Business and creative districts
• Main Street associations
• Trailhead and accessibility enhancements
• Signage upgrades
• Strategic planning
• Downtown beautification
• Marketing initiatives
• Economic impact studies

Eligibility:

• Washington-based tourism stakeholders
• Destination marketing organizations (DMOs)
• Local governments
• Nonprofit organizations
• Tourism businesses and associations

Award Details:

• Maximum request: Up to $30,000 per application
• Highly competitive
• $125,000 awarded in 2023 round (9 recipients)
• $270,000 awarded in 2022 round (25 recipients)

Requirements:

• Complete detailed application with project objectives, longevity, and budget
• Applicants strongly encouraged to match grant request with cash or in-kind contributions
• Collaboration with local destination marketing organizations and industry partners encouraged
• Grant funds must be expended by August 1 (typically year of award)
• Grantees must submit evaluation of grant project by October 1 (typically year following award)

Application Process

1. Complete detailed grant application including:
   • Project objectives
   • Project longevity/timeline
   • Detailed budget
   • Description of how project meets program eligibility criteria
2. Application evaluation:
   • Reviewed by committee of industry experts
   • Competitive selection process
3. Submission requirements:
   • Applications submitted to State of Washington Tourism
   • Applications evaluated on project quality, feasibility, and alignment with program goals
4. Post-award requirements:
   • Expend grant funds by August 1 of designated year
   • Submit evaluation of project outcomes by October 1 of following year
5. Encouraged items (not required):
   • Match portion of grant with cash or in-kind contributions
   • Partner with local destination marketing organizations
   • Collaborate with regional industry partners