Richmond Region Tourism has announced the launch of the inaugural Special Event Incubation Grant, which is funded by the Tourism Improvement District. This grant is designed to support organizations planning new special events in the Richmond Region, with the primary goal of attracting visitors from outside the area. The program has a limited budget, and funding will be awarded to deserving organizations through a competitive process.

The purpose of the Special Event Incubation Grant is to foster the development of new events that can enhance tourism in the Richmond Region. Eligible events must either be new, within their first three years, or newly created ancillary events that complement existing events. Additionally, events must attract at least ten percent of attendees from outside a fifty-mile radius of the Richmond Region, with those attendees required to stay for at least one night.

Applicants can request funding of up to five thousand dollars, which will be reimbursed after the event for expenses directly related to the event. Eligible expenses include facility rental fees, equipment rentals, contracted security services, marketing materials, event production costs, local permit fees, event insurance, transportation costs, and more. It is important to note that the list of eligible expenses is not exhaustive, and reimbursement is not guaranteed for all items listed.

Organizations that are already receiving funding from Richmond Region Tourism or the Richmond Region Tourism Foundation may still apply for this grant, provided they are not seeking funding for the same event. The application process will require detailed descriptions of the proposed event, as these answers will be crucial for the evaluation and scoring by the review committee.

The grant does not have a specific deadline, as it operates on a rolling basis. This means that applications can be submitted at any time, but it is advisable for interested organizations to apply as soon as possible due to the finite amount of funding available.

In summary, the Special Event Incubation Grant offers a valuable opportunity for organizations in the Richmond Region to secure funding for new events that can enhance tourism. With a clear focus on attracting visitors and a straightforward application process, this grant could be a significant resource for those looking to make an impact in the local tourism landscape. For more information, potential applicants are encouraged to visit the Richmond Region Tourism website or contact them directly.