The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau (HVAB), in partnership with the Centre County Commissioners office, is offering the Tourism Marketing Grant for projects that enhance tourism in Centre County, Pennsylvania, during the fiscal year July 2025 - July 2026. This grant is part of the Centre County Room Tax Grant process and follows Pennsylvania State Regulations (Act 18 of 2016). The purpose of this funding is to support not-for-profit cultural, educational, historical, and recreational assets by underwriting initiatives that increase tourism and overnight stays in the county. The grant is administered annually by the Centre County Board of Commissioners and the HVAB, with awards determined based on merit by the Tourism Grant Review Committee (TGRC).

The grant aims to recognize and support events that significantly impact the local economy, reinforce the perception of Centre County as a tourism destination, and encourage well-developed and thorough applications. Priority consideration is given to projects demonstrating a strong impact on room night demand, particularly during low-occupancy periods. Eligible applicants include qualifying cultural, educational, historical, and recreational entities, as well as special event organizers whose initiatives drive business to Centre County. However, grants are not intended to provide long-term operational support but rather to assist in marketing and event promotion.

Grant funds must not be used for political or religious purposes, operational expenses, advertising outside Centre County through other Convention and Visitors Bureaus or Chambers of Commerce, or signage that promotes a specific private entity without including the HVAB logo. Additionally, grantees are required to provide a minimum 25% match, which may be in cash or in-kind contributions such as donated items or professional services. Volunteer hours and staff time do not qualify as an in-kind match. Documentation of matching funds must be properly recorded and verifiable.

Special event grants are available for unique events designed to attract visitors to the county. Preference is given to multi-day events with a history of success, financial accountability, and demonstrated efforts to advertise beyond Centre County. First-time events are also considered if they meet the funding criteria and include a detailed media plan targeting overnight visitors. All awarded funds must be utilized within one year of receipt, with an option to apply for a one-year extension. Unused or misallocated funds may be forfeited.

Marketing projects and advertising campaigns supported by this grant must adhere to strict branding guidelines, including the use of the HVAB logo in print and digital media, and proper acknowledgment of HVAB funding in all promotional materials. Radio and TV advertisements must explicitly state that funding was provided by the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau. Grant recipients are required to submit a final report within 90 days of project completion and no later than October 1, 2026. This report must include marketing metrics, proof of media coverage, visitor impact statistics, and financial documentation demonstrating proper use of funds.

The grant application period opens on January 15, 2025, at 8:00 AM (EST) and closes on March 3, 2025, at 5:00 PM (EST). Applications are evaluated based on their potential to attract tourism beyond Centre County, economic impact, and adherence to grant guidelines. The Tourism Grant Review Committee, consisting of representatives from the Centre County Commissioners office, HVAB, local hoteliers, and historical society members, will review applications and recommend awards for final approval by the HVAB Board of Directors. Successful applicants will receive their grant funds in proportion to project execution and must submit required documentation for reimbursement.