The Tourist Development Council (TDC) Grants Program, managed by the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, is designed to promote Miami-Dade County as a premier tourist destination. It provides funding for cultural, sporting, and special events that enhance the area’s appeal and encourage overnight stays in local accommodations. Supported by the 2% Hotel/Motel Food and Beverage Surtax and the Tourist Development Room Tax, the program targets events that can substantiate their ability to draw visitors from outside the region, with a particular emphasis on the fourth quarter of the year (July-September).

Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, for-profit corporations, and government/municipal entities. Applications from for-profit entities must demonstrate their role in attracting large-scale, tourism-driven events to Miami-Dade County. All projects must occur within the county and have a strong tourism and cultural component. Ineligible applicants include educational institutions primarily benefiting academic purposes, religious organizations promoting sectarian activities, and projects that fail to meet significant tourism impact requirements. Grant funds are awarded on a reimbursement basis, requiring grantees to submit comprehensive proof of expenditures.

Funding is distributed in tiers based on total project budgets, with a maximum request cap of $35,000 for projects exceeding $250,000. All grants require a dollar-for-dollar match, with at least 50% of the match being cash. In-kind contributions are capped at 25% of the total project budget. The program does not support general operational costs, salaries unrelated to the project, out-of-county travel expenses, or fundraising events. Funding decisions are subject to the availability of TDC resources and approval by the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners.

The application process is conducted online through the Department’s website. All first-time and returning applicants who have not received funding within the past three years must attend a mandatory TDC-specific workshop or schedule a consultation with program staff. A courtesy review of applications is available for those submitting at least seven days before the final deadline. Applications must include a detailed marketing and promotional plan, with a focus on leveraging national and international media coverage to maximize tourism impact. Final recommendations are made by the TDC and require subsequent approval by county leadership.

Applicants must comply with all program deadlines and technical requirements to avoid disqualification. Funded activities must provide equal access, comply with ADA requirements, and adhere to publicity and credit guidelines stipulated by the TDC. A final report is required within 45 days of project completion. Successful applicants may begin submitting reimbursement requests once grant agreements are finalized. Applicants should note that the timeline from submission to fund disbursement typically spans six months.