Visit Hattiesburg is pleased to announce the return of its Tourism Grant Program, a dedicated fund for sponsorship of local events, festivals, and other community programs that enhance tourism promotion efforts in Hattiesburg.
Applications for the Tourism Grant Program are now being accepted through Wednesday, August 30, at 5 p.m.
In its sixth year, TGP is a competitive process that funds and supports activities that attract visitors to the community, while also providing entertainment options that increase the quality of life for local residents. Visit Hattiesburg partners on funded activities to increase awareness and attendance by tourists.
“Both the incredible variety and quality of events in our community are a significant part of what attracts visitors to Hattiesburg,” said Marlo Dorsey, executive director of Visit Hattiesburg. “We are pleased to offer a program that financially assists our partners with activities that drive tourism in our economy.
“We all benefit from more people staying overnight in our Hattiesburg hotels, dining in our restaurants, and shopping in our retail storefronts. This program is a win-win for everyone.”
The Tourism Grant Program began in 2018 through sponsorships of local visitor-friendly events and initiatives. Since its inception, over 100 organizations have received support, ranging from sporting and musical events to expos and festivals.
More than $200,000 has been given back to the community through Visit Hattiesburg’s Tourism Grant Program since its launch.
New and returning applicants are invited to complete the grant process, which requires a formal application and plan of action, identifying how they will promote overnight travel to Hattiesburg. An independent panel of community stakeholders will determine recipients through this competitive selection process.
“Visit Hattiesburg collaborates with many groups each year to grow our community’s tourism offerings,” said Kristen Brock, director of programs and development for Visit Hattiesburg. “This grant program allows us to partner with other organizations to strengthen economic vitality within the city.”
“We welcome any group with an event or project planned in the qualifying fiscal year to apply, and look forward to supporting new and returning recipients this year.”
To be eligible, projects must fall into one of Visit Hattiesburg’s core strategic focus areas: grow tourism’s economic impact; communicate and amplify Hattiesburg’s story; strengthen partner network and collaboration; or prioritize placemaking and enhance the Hattiesburg experience.
Organizations interested in a partnership through the program may include those that promote festivals and events, attractions, and public-use facilities like museums, historical buildings, meeting spaces, and sporting facilities. Only projects that produce out-of-town visitation to Hattiesburg will be eligible for the competitive funding.
Applications for the Tourism Grant Program must be received by priority deadline of Wednesday, August 30, 2023, at 5 p.m. to be eligible for funding. Applications received after this date will be considered only if TGP funding has not been fully allocated.
