Tourism Improvement Fund Grants (Seward County)

Tourism Improvement Fund Grants (Seward County) is sponsored by Seward County Chamber & Development Partnership. Provides funding for capital improvements to existing attractions or recreational facilities within Seward County that are open to the public and are of educational, cultural, historical, artistic, or recreational significance.

Grants to Support Seward County Tourism — Explore Seward County, Nebraska *All applications must be submitted 5 working days prior to the next SCVB meeting. The purpose of this grant is to provide funding that promotes, encourages and attracts visitors to the travel and tourism facilities and attractions within Seward County.

The funds available through this program are provided from the Seward County lodging tax revenue collected via the improvement fund. The funds are to be used for capital improvements to new or existing attractions or recreational facilities that are open to the public and that promotes and/or stimulate the Seward County economy by encouraging overnight stays in hotels, motels, B & B’s and campgrounds.

• Grants from Seward County Visitors Bureau (SCVB) Improvement Funds shall be available for any visitor attraction in Seward County owned by the public, any nonprofit organization, or privately owned entity involved in tourism . • Grant applications are due 30 days prior to the start of the project. • Grants are discretionary, based on available funds.

• Grant funds must have a budget for the project. • Grant funds may not be used for on-going operational expenses such as, but not limited to: taxes, utilities, wages, maintenance, etc. • Applicants must present projections for all construction expenses involved with the project.

• The proceeds of the SCVB Fund may be used to IMPROVE EXISTING visitor attractions and tourism facilities in Seward County, except that no proceeds shall be used to improve a facility in which pair-mutual wagering is conducted. • The grantee will obtain all necessary local and state permits. • Funds to be determined with each grant.

• Applicants must provide matching funds for this grant. • Improvement fund grant awards are capped at $2,500 • The application due 30 days prior to event. Written application due 5 working days prior to the SCVB monthly meeting.

Applications for grant funding from the VISITORS IMPROVEMENT FUND will be accepted by the SCVB and are due 30 days prior to beginning the project. The SCVB will review the applications at their monthly meetings to consider grant requests (except December when there is no meeting). Applications for grants are available at the Seward County Chamber and Development Partnership (SCCDP) offices and online at sewardnebraskatourism.

org. After completing the application, applicants should return the application to the Seward County Visitors Bureau, in care of the SCCDP for placement on the agenda for consideration by the SCVB. A representative of the entity submitting an application for Brick and Mortar Funds will be requested to make a personal presentation the SCVB upon submission of their application.

The SCVB requests a year lapse between grants. HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION: Include a one-page summary of your proposal Fill out the official application. Make sure you provide proper documentation and be specific.

• The SCVB meets monthly and needs your completed application 30 days prior to your event of when your project begins. The SCVB meets the third Tuesday of the month, except in December. • Your application will be reviewed and you may get some suggestions back to make your application stronger.

• Once your application has been submitted, you may be contacted to make a presentation in front of the SCVB to answer any questions. Start your application now