Tourism Funding Opportunities

Applicant eligibility 

Qualified Applicants 

To be scored competitively, especially for the watch party tracks, applicants must provide evidence of the team’s experience with project planning relevant to the scope and scale of the proposal. 

Application 

Should businesses with multiple locations or interested in multiple tracks submit separate applications for each location/track? 

Yes. Separate applications are preferred. However, applicants will not be penalized for combined applications. If a combined application is submitted, budgets and milestones for different locations, watch party dates and/or tracks need to be clearly separated.  

What is the timing and process for review and decision on the applications? 

Applications are due no later than noon on December 10th. Ranking teams made up of representatives from the various agencies will independently score each application based on the criteria that’s listed in the RFP. It’s important that the response to the criteria is included in the application materials. 

Once those scores are complete, they’ll be submitted back to the city, and be collated to determine top candidates. A recommendations committee of different representatives will look holistically at the top scoring applications and craft possible funding packages for the Mayor, Tourism and Port Directors to review mid-January. Their recommendation will be forwarded to the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee of the Tourism Commission and ultimately approved by City Council (tentative scheduled for January 27^th.  

Applicants will be notified in mid-January whether their application is being moved forward in the review process. 

Eligible expenses 

Can the grant funds pay for the purchase of equipment for the business? 

Grantees may be reimbursed for the prorated share of the equivalent cost of renting relevant equipment, but the full purchase price of permanent equipment for the business may not be paid for.  

For example: a business purchases a new sound system for showing the games that will remain in the business afterward. The sound system cost $5,000, but the cost of renting a similar system is only $1,000. The business could request reimbursement for $1,000 of the total cost. 

What types of goods or supplies are eligible costs under the grant funding? 

Goods and supplies related to the fan zone celebrations that are outside of normal business expenses may be considered. 

Can the grant funds pay for staff time for project development and design? 

Project development and design costs may be included in the budget for Track 4: Soccer-related activations track in a lump sum amount proportional to the effort needed to carry out the project. The activation grant amounts are small, and so it would need to be a nominal fee. 

Staff fees and payroll are not eligible costs for the remaining tracks. However, there may be fees for service (e.g. associated with setup of rental equipment) from third parties that may be eligible. 

What are the expectations and eligible expenses for marketing and social media? 

Staff time for marketing and media may not be reimbursed. However, other third-party marketing expenses may be included.  

All grantees will receive additional marketing and media support, including out of area marketing, from Bellngham/Whatcom County Tourism. The City and other partners, such as the Downtown Bellingham Partnership, will also be promoting events, venues and activities to local residents. 

Other 

Contracting and reimbursement 

Applications that are approved under Track 3: Business readiness will receive direct funding from the Downtown Bellingham Partnership.  

For the other tracks, the applicant will be required to enter into a contract with the City of Bellingham. Applicants must be able to provide the level of insurance coverage required by the City as well as a licensed business entity (W9) for contracting. Insurance costs may be included in the budget.  

The City operates on a reimbursement basis.  Successful applicants must be able to front the costs and submit the required documentation for reimbursement. 

Is the July 19 Watch Party match date required? 

June 19^th was emphasized as a priority as the match date for the U.S. game being held in Seattle, but other match dates or multiple match dates may be considered. The grant limit is $25,000 per watch party, which reflects an expectation of a smaller community event(s). 

What is the difference between Track 1: Watch Parties and Track 2: Designated Venues? 

Track 2 is targeting existing venue, that has the staff, capacity and general equipment in place for viewing events and is interested in enhancing a festive atmosphere and show as many World Cup games as feasible. 

Track 1 is a larger scale lift intended for hosting more people, be all ages and family friendly and provide activities and entertainment with focus on a single game or priority games. 

How many people are expected to visit Bellingham during the World Cup period? 

What we’ve been told is that Seattle’s expecting 750,000 extra people in the area. Some of the interest depends on the team draws. While emergency planning is being done related to cross-border traffic, the level of tourism traffic between Seattle and Vancouver is unknown. 

Will the City continue to coordinate group discussions among successful applicants for additional guidance about expectations as the games get closer?  

Yes