The Fairfield County Accommodations/Hospitality Tax Grant for 2024-2025 provides funding for projects that promote tourism in Fairfield County, South Carolina. Funded by a 3% accommodations tax on lodging and a 2% hospitality tax on prepared meals, this grant program supports initiatives that attract visitors and enhance the local economy. Eligible applicants include nonprofits operating within Fairfield County and recognized destination marketing organizations. All applicants must have been in operation for at least one year and possess a valid IRS tax-exempt determination. Applications open on November 1, 2024, and close on December 2, 2024.

Eligible projects must meet one or more specific criteria: they should attract visitors through targeted advertising, generate additional tourism-related tax revenue, encourage local dining and overnight stays, enhance or create recreational facilities, and highlight Fairfield County’s cultural, historical, or recreational assets. Grant funds may only be used for tourism promotion expenses such as print, digital, and broadcast advertising, billboards, and marketing materials. Applications should demonstrate how the project will increase visitor numbers, meals sold, or hotel stays, with metrics to estimate these impacts.

The grant restricts funding for certain items, such as routine operating expenses, food and beverage costs, prizes, equipment purchases, and any expenses already covered by other grants. Additionally, applicants must ensure cost-effectiveness, providing a detailed project budget that outlines all income and expenses. Funds are intended for discrete, tourism-enhancing activities within Fairfield County, except for specific out-of-county advertising.

Applications should include essential project details: a project title, organization name, contact information, dates and location, a line-item budget, organization type, project description (limited to three pages), and historical attendance data if it is a recurring project. Applicants must clearly articulate the anticipated tourism benefits and the portion of expenses remaining within the county.

Once submitted, applications will be reviewed by the Fairfield County Accommodations & Hospitality Tax Committee, which will make funding recommendations to the County Council. Final decisions will be communicated by January 15, 2025, including any conditions tied to the grant. All submissions must be emailed to Interim County Administrator Clay Killian at clay.killian@fairfield.sc.gov by the deadline, with incomplete applications subject to automatic denial.