The Bucks County Tourism Grant Program, administered by Visit Bucks County in partnership with the County of Bucks, provides funding to support tourism-related initiatives that increase visitation to the county. Established in 2008 and funded through a portion of the county’s lodging tax, the program aims to enhance the economic impact of tourism by promoting attractions, events, and projects that drive overnight stays. Grant awards are determined based on merit by the Bucks County Tourism Grant Committee, following the guidelines set forth in Pennsylvania’s Act 18 of 2016. Since 2020, one recipient per cycle has been recognized as the Charles H. Martin Grant Recipient in honor of Commissioner Martin’s contributions to the program.

The program funds initiatives related to tourism marketing, promotion, product development, and event enhancements that contribute to increased visitor engagement and economic activity. Eligible projects must align with the program’s goal of attracting visitors traveling at least 50 miles or staying overnight. Funding is not available for projects that directly compete with private-sector tourism businesses. Award amounts vary annually, with the minimum and maximum amounts announced before the application window opens.

Eligible applicants include tourism and hospitality businesses located in Bucks County. Both nonprofit and for-profit organizations may apply, provided they meet state regulations and program-specific requirements. Nonprofits must submit documentation such as a list of officers, IRS tax-exempt status verification, articles of incorporation, a subsistence certificate, a W-9 form, and relevant marketing materials. For-profit organizations must provide a list of owners, articles of incorporation, a subsistence certificate, a W-9 form, and applicable marketing materials.

The 2025 application period begins on September 2, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. and closes on October 2, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Funded projects must take place within the 2025 Grant Program Activity Period, which runs from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026. Applications must be submitted online through the designated grant portal, where organizations must register, verify their accounts, and complete all required tasks before submission. Upon submission, applicants will receive an email confirmation.

A variety of program documents are available to assist applicants, including a grant application preview, rules and regulations, an application checklist, a grant completion report preview, and a grant change or extension request form. These materials serve as a reference but must be completed within the grant portal for official submission. Applicants are encouraged to review these resources thoroughly before applying.

For additional support, applicants can access an FAQ page, contact Visit Bucks County, or reach out to customer support through the grant portal. A webinar recording from August 15, 2024, provides further insight into the grant program. Inquiries about the grant program can be directed to Kelley Keeling, Research & Destination Development Director, via email or phone.