Deadline: 18-Jun-21
Applications are now open for the Local Tourism Development Grant Program.
Aiken County Local Accommodations Tax Grants are funded through Local Accommodations Tax revenues collected in the unincorporated Aiken County. These funds may be used for tourism related projects in Aiken County, with a priority of funding projects in the areas where Aiken County Accommodations Taxes are collected.
These funds must be used for tourism development, with the priority of funding to be in the unincorporated areas of Aiken County. The available tax funds are collected in the unincorporated areas of Aiken County through accommodations and are to be distributed in a manner to replenish the accommodations tax base. Applicants should have 50% matching funds. The Local Accommodations Tax Funds are for tourism related projects as described:
- Tourism-related buildings including, but not limited to, civic centers, coliseums, and aquariums;
- Tourism-related cultural, recreational or historic facilities;
- Tourism-related land and water access;
- Highways, roads, streets, and bridges, providing access to tourist destinations;
- Water and sewer infrastructure to serve tourism-related demands.
Organization Eligibility Requirements
- Applicant organizations must have been in existence for at least one (1) year prior to requesting funds and provide their federal employer identification number as registered with the IRS.
- Applicants must provide proof of their non-profit status and whose primary goal is to attract additional visitors through tourism promotion. The letter of exemption from the IRS and/or the SC Secretary of State’s proof of good standing must accompany your proposal.
- Aiken County will not award Accommodations Tax funds to individuals, fraternal organizations, religious organizations, or organizations that support and/or endorse political campaigns.
Criteria for Project Eligibility
- As required by State Statute and by the requirements established herein, organizations and/or projects to be funded by A-Tax Funds must have as their primary mission the attraction of tourists to Aiken County. Each funding proposal will be reviewed individually to determine the potential impact it will have on the County’s tourism efforts.
- Priority will be given to organizations and/or projects that have the following characteristics:
- will generate overnight stay(s) in lodging facilities in the unincorporated areas of Aiken County;
- will promote and highlight unincorporated Aiken County’s historic and cultural venues; recreational facilities and events; natural resources, and the uniqueness and flavor of the local community.
- will provide 50% matching funds.
For more information, visit https://discoveraikencounty.com/