Promoting Tourism and Cultural Activities
The purpose of the Tourism Grant Program is to promote tourism and cultural activities in Bellingham.
Activities funded through this program increase economic activity by bringing visitors to Bellingham. A “visitor” is defined as a person who travels from a place of residence to a different town, city, county, state, or country, for purposes of business, pleasure, recreation, education, arts, heritage, or culture.
This grant program has supported events such as Fire and Story (photographed at the top of this page; photo by Mataio Gillis).
About the Grants
This program is supported by the City’s share of a special excise tax collected on overnight stays within the city limits (lodging tax). These funds support many programs and projects, including the annual Tourism Grant Program.
Each year, the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) – a sub-committee of the Tourism Commission – provides recommendations for how to use funds.
The grant program supports the marketing and operations of events, activities and programming that attract visitors to Bellingham and create authentic visitor experiences..
Visitor-Generating Events Grant
The Visitor-Generating Events Grant category provides funding support for ticketed events that are specifically designed to attract out-of-area visitors who travel to Bellingham to participate in the event. These events typically involve advanced ticket purchases made prior to arrival, demonstrating that attendance is a primary driver of visitation. Awarded grantees in this category are eligible for a two-year contract term, with a maximum award amount of $100,000 per year.
Destination Experience Grant
The Destination Experience Grant provides funding support for free or low-cost events, activities, and programming that showcase Bellingham’s unique cultural, recreational, and environmental assets and contribute to authentic visitor experiences. These offerings enhance the overall appeal of Bellingham as a destination and enrich the experience of both visitors and residents, but visitor origin and attendance data may be less precise or harder to track. Awarded grantees in this category are eligible for a one-year contract term, with a maximum award amount of $35,000.
Small Grant
The Small Grant provides funding support for projects that attract out-of-area visitors and/or enhance the overall destination experience. The proposals may be a new or emerging event/ program or any project that may enhance the tourism experience or grow Bellingham’s tourism industry. Awarded grantees in this category are eligible for a one-year contract term, with a maximum award amount of $5,000.
Tourism Grant Program Awardees
Some past awardees include Ski to Sea, SeaFeast, CASCADIA Women’s International Film Festival, Bellingham Symphony Orchestra, Max Higbee Center (April Brews Day), Downtown Bellingham Partnership, Paper Whale (Fire & Story Festival, and Noisy Waters Mural Festival), Pickford Film Center (Doctober), Bellingham Bells, Bellingham Bay Marathon, and many more.
>> Learn more about the grant program and see more awardees.
Signature Event Grants
The Signature Event Grant is an opportunity for qualified producers or operators with the experience, industry contacts and innovative vision to launch an event that will encourage commerce, maximize national and regional exposure, and enhance the existing quality of life for residents.
>> Learn more about the Signature Event Grant.
