Small Grant Program (Tourism)

Small Grant Program (Tourism) is sponsored by Cowlitz County Tourism. Cowlitz County Tourism offers a small grant program to support events that aim to grow, attract more visitors, and increase overnight stays in Cowlitz County.

Grant Application - 2026 - Visit Mt St Helens Grant Application – 2026 - Visit Mt St Helens The Tourism Small Grants have been awarded for this year! Cowlitz County Tourism small grant application is now being accepted from qualifying entities organizing tourism-based activities, tourism promotion, and hospitality projects aimed at increasing and/or supporting the tourism industry within Cowlitz County.

Grant funding is provided to increase and/or support tourism activity within Cowlitz County.

501(c)3 and (c)6 organizations, City, County, or other government agencies Festivals and events that bring in attendees from 50+ miles Multi Media (Print, digital, TV, radio, etc), Design and printing of posters, flyers, and brochures, Permanent signage and banners General administrative costs such as salaries, wages & benefits, Capital and general organizational operating costs, Advertising that cannot be proven to reach significant relative markets outside 50 miles from the festival/event project location Total Available Expenditures Complete application including valid Tax ID, Application received by deadline, Generates overnight stays and commerce from visitors outside Cowlitz County, Draws a significant number of visitors from 50+ miles outside Cowlitz County, Provides breakdown of advertising/marketing campaign, Leverages other funding sources, Service or project must be covered by insurance, Overall economic and socially redeeming benefit, Provides measurable outcome performance indicators Application Submission Timeline August 26 – November 5, 2025 Applications must be received by email or dropped off at: Cowlitz County Event Center 1900 7th Avenue, Longview, WA 98632 Deadline: November 5, 2025 by 4:30 pm LTAC Review & Funding Approval The Cowlitz County Lodging Tax Advisory Committee application review will take place on December 11th 2025 at 10:00 am.

Download 2026 Grant Application PDF Cowlitz County Tourism Small Grant (deadline November 5th, 2025, at 4:30 pm) Frequently Asked Questions 1 CAN WE APPLY FOR FUNDING FOR MORE THAN ONE EVENT? Yes. Applications may be submitted for more than one event.

Applicants should not make multiple requests for the same event or project. Each application must be for a unique event or project. 2 ARE GRANTS ONLY FOR NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS?

No, both Government Agencies and Non-Profit agencies may apply 3 WHAT CAN THE GRANT FUNDS BE USED FOR? Grant funds will be allocated for new or existing events that bring people to Cowlitz County from outside a 50-mile radius and attract hotel stays. Allowed expenses can include marketing and promotion of the event.

4 DO WE GIVE BONUS POINTS FOR ANYTHING? Yes, we give extra points for: • Innovative events that represent an unusual approach or moves the County’s Tourism program in a useful new direction • Events that occur outside of our peak season of May 15th to September 15th 5 HOW LONG ARE MY GRANT FUNDS AVAILABLE? The event or project must take place within the calendar year of 2025.

6 WHAT IF I DON’T USE THE ENTIRE AMOUNT I AM AWARDED? This is a reimbursement grant. You will be reimbursed for applicable expenses, with documentation, up to the awarded amount.

Any unused funds will remain with the County and will roll over to the next year. Download 2026 Grant Application Word Cowlitz County Tourism Small Grant (deadline November 5th, 2025, at 4:30 pm) 1900 7th Avenue Longview, WA 98632