The Richland County Government is accepting applications for the FY26 Richland County Accommodations Tax (A-Tax) Program, with a submission deadline of February 2, 2025. The program aims to support organizations and projects that contribute to the promotion of tourism in Richland County. Applications will be evaluated based on their alignment with the County's tourism objectives and their potential impact on attracting visitors, particularly those generating overnight stays at local lodging facilities and promoting the area's historic, cultural, and recreational assets.

Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations with proof of federal tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or recognized Destination Marketing Organizations. These entities must have been in operation for at least one year and demonstrate a primary mission of increasing tourism through marketing and promotion. Certain organizations, such as individuals, fraternal groups, or those supporting political campaigns, are not eligible for funding. Religious organizations may apply, but funds must be strictly used for secular purposes. Additionally, grantees cannot reallocate awarded funds to other organizations and must use them exclusively for direct program expenses related to tourism.

The grant funds must be used strictly for tourism-related expenses and cannot cover costs such as signage, banners, gift cards, or other event-related giveaways. Applicants are required to submit comprehensive documentation, including proof of nonprofit status, program descriptions, and a detailed marketing and advertising plan. Key application components include describing the project’s tourism mission, outlining its benefit to the community and the County, providing projected attendance and overnight stays, and explaining how these projections were determined. A robust marketing strategy, along with tracking mechanisms for visitor data, must also be included.

The application includes sections that request information about the project’s title, start and end dates, total cost, and the amount of funding requested. Applicants are asked to describe the project’s goals, the specific benefit to tourism and the community, and any required permits. They must also provide data on projected attendance, overnight stays, and meals consumed. Applicants are encouraged to highlight partnerships with local organizations and demonstrate their capacity for program management through examples of past successes.

Performance measures are an important aspect of the application, requiring details on how the success of advertising and marketing efforts will be evaluated. Applicants are expected to present evidence of their ability to manage similar projects effectively. Furthermore, they must address efforts to increase the project’s sustainability and reduce reliance on County funding, as well as discuss any significant changes to their organizational budget compared to the previous fiscal year.

Successful applicants will be those that clearly align with the County’s priorities, including boosting tourism, highlighting the uniqueness of Richland County, and demonstrating strong community impact. This grant represents an opportunity for nonprofit organizations and Destination Marketing Organizations to enhance the area’s tourism appeal while ensuring long-term benefits for the local community.