Organizations and businesses in Bellingham and Whatcom County can now apply for multiple 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 within city and county limits. Funding is limited to activities that are open to the public and specifically 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.
Whatcom County’s Tourism Promotion Grant - Due by 4:30 p.m. (PST) on August 25, 2023
Whatcom County will award funding for events and activities that increase tourism in Whatcom County through various channels such as advertising; publicizing and distributing information to attract and welcome visitors; developing strategies to expand tourism; operating tourism promotion agencies; funding and marketing events and festivals designed to attract visitors; and constructing tourism-related facilities. Funding for event-related activities generally ranges between $1,500 to $30,000.
To apply for the Whatcom County grant or find more information about eligibility, requirements, funding, and process, click here.
The City of Bellingham’s Tourism Promotion Grants – Due by noon (PST) on September 1, 2023
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.
To apply for the City of Bellingham’s grants, or to find more information about eligibility, requirements, funding, and process, click 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.
