The Citrus County Visitors and Convention Bureau announces that the Tourist Development Council will be open to receive grant applications for tourism-related grants until Friday, January 29, 2021, at 5:00 pm.

Citrus County Submittal Period for Tourism Grant Funding Open through January 29        

Grant applications can be submitted to the Visitors Center office at 915 N Suncoast Blvd., Crystal River, FL 34429 or via email to veronica@visitcitrus.com. This will be the only round of grant funding for the 2020-2021 fiscal year.

January 4, 2021 – Applicant Submittal Period Opened

January 29, 2021 – Applicant Submittal Period Due by 5:00pm

March 10, 2021 – Applicant Presentation to the Tourist Development Council; Grant Selection & Budget Allocation

There are two grant categories available this period: Special Project/Events and Collateral Materials.

Special Projects/Events Grant

The Citrus County Tourist Development Council (TDC) offers a Special Event Grant program to organizations designated to promote special events/projects which attract overnight visitors to Citrus County, thereby impacting the lodging industry. A “special event” is defined as any activity, service, venue, or event which is intended to attract overnight visitors to Citrus County.

This Special Project/Events Grant is used to provide funding for advertising and promotion of local events to out-of-county markets, with the goal of attracting overnight visitors. The grant funds are intended to supplement the organization’s budget and are restricted in their use, allowing them to be used only for marketing, advertisement, and promotional materials.

Collateral Materials Grant

The purpose of the Citrus County Tourist Development Collateral Materials Grant is to assist organizations in Citrus County by providing funding awards for program dollars to make our area more appealing to visitors who are spending the night in Citrus County. This grant leverages TDC resources and extends the marketing for Citrus County.

The goals of these grant programs are:

•             Increase overnight stays in Citrus County
•             Promote a positive image and increased visibility of the area’s attractions
•             Increase expenditures by visitors to Citrus County
•             Educate visitors to the different areas in the County

For grant application forms, more details on each type of grant, maximum awards, eligible projects, reporting requirements, etc., contact veronica@visitcitrus.com.

Applications must be completed and returned by 5pm on January 29, 2021. Late applications will not be accepted.