Organizations and businesses in Bellingham and Whatcom County can now apply for grants through the City of Bellingham and Whatcom County. Grant funds can be used to develop and market new or ongoing events that will generate economic activity, leading to increased hotel stays in the city and county. Funding is limited to activities that are open to the public and draw visitors to Bellingham and Whatcom County.
The City of Bellingham and Whatcom County Lodging Tax Advisory Committees (LTAC) will review all grant applications and make funding recommendations to the Bellingham City Council and Whatcom County Council for final decisions.
Due by 4:30 p.m. (PST) on August 23, 2024
Whatcom County will award funding for events and activities that increase or support tourism in Whatcom County through:
Visitor center and tourism operations
Agencies and event sponsors providing visitor services to Whatcom County
Events/festivals hosted in Whatcom County
This year, the committee will prioritize applicants from areas in Whatcom County outside the city of Bellingham. Grants are not capped but typically range from $1,500 to $30,000. You can apply for the Whatcom County grant and find more information here.
Due by noon (PST) on September 6, 2024
The City of Bellingham encourages applicants to present innovative, outside-of-the-box thinking when it comes to events, activities, and marketing techniques that will draw visitors to Bellingham. Applicants may choose from two grants:
The Start-Up Grant: This grant is for events or activities that are three years old or younger. Funds can be used for marketing or operations. Grants are capped at $5,000.
The Standard Grant: This grant is for events or activities that are at least three years old. The Standard Grant does not have a cap, but funding generally ranges between $2,500 and $25,000.
Signature Event Grant: This grant is for a qualified producer or operator with the experience, industry contacts, and innovative vision for launching an annual Spring event that will encourage commerce, maximize national and regional exposure, enhance the existing quality of life for residents, and become self-sustaining.
You can apply for the City of Bellingham’s grant and find more information here.
Visit Bellingham | Whatcom County is an independent, 501 (c)(6) nonprofit economic development organization whose purpose is to improve the economy by marketing Bellingham Whatcom County as a premier, year-round visitor, sports, outdoor recreation, arts and cultural, and meetings destination, which supports all travel, tourism, and hospitality businesses and nonprofits in Whatcom County.
