Jackson County Tourism Development Authority

Purpose:
It is the desire of the TDA to assist with initiatives that generate overnight guests and increase tourism, while enhancing the visitor’s experience in Jackson County.  

Initiatives planned for off-peak times (December through March) receive higher priority by the TDA.

Eligibility:
Both non-profit and for-profit entities are eligible to apply for JCTDA grants. Strong consideration is given to Jackson County organizations and strong consideration is given to collaboration between public/private organizations.

Grant Timeline:
The JCTDA accepts grants on an ongoing basis and complete grants will be considered at the next JCTDA Full Board meeting. Grants should be received 10 days prior to the scheduled Regular Full Board Meeting for consideration that month. No grant applications will be considered, voted on, or approved between Board Meetings.

Application Process: 
The grant application must be completed online. Printed and/or handwritten copies will not be accepted.

Scoring Rubric:

1. Does this initiative generate overnight visits to Jackson County? (Max 10 points)
2. Does this initiative create an overall economic benefit for the community? (Max 10 points)
3. Does this initiative generate visits in off-peak seasons (Dec. to March)? (Max 10 points)
4. Does this initiative enhance the cultural vibrancy of Jackson County? (Max 10 points)
5. Community Benefit (Max 10 points)
6. Is this a signature initiative or does it have the potential to become such an initiative? (Example: yearly tradition, unique to Jackson County, etc.)? (Max 10 points)
7. Evidence of Partnership (Max 10 points)
8. Application Quality (completeness, organization, clarity of application, supporting documentation, letters of support for in-kind funding)? (Max 10 points)
9. Does this initiative have other financial commitment and supporting resources (Organizational Structure/Management Capability)? (Max 10 points)
10. Comprehensive Marketing Approach (Max 5 points)

Added points for strong initiatives which align well with the program intent and in which you are confident of success. (Max 5 points)

Total: ______ (Max 100 points)

Notification of Grant Awards:
Grant applications are considered on a first-come first-serve basis. All applicants will receive notice following the TDA Board meeting as to the status of their request for grant funds. All grants are contingent upon county approval of the appropriate fiscal year budget.

Modification to Grant Initiatives:
If the scope of the initiative changes, the grantee must notify the TDA by email or by postal mail and request permission before applying any assumed grant funds to the modified initiative. The TDA reserves the right to deny or revoke funding to modified initiatives and reserves the right to call for a full repayment of funds from any grantee not in compliance.

Funding levels: 
Most funding requests will be in the couple thousand-dollar range, however, depending on the scope, merit, and scoring of the proposal, higher funding amounts may be approved. The board retains discretion to only fund a portion of a request or award no funds. 

Restrictions:
-Grant funding may not be used to assist with an organization’s existing debt. 
-Grant funding may not be used to promote a specific accommodation (lodging).
-The initiative must occur within Jackson County or as a partnership between neighboring counties and enhance the visitor experience.
-All grant applications must include all required paperwork (see attached application). Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Requirements:
-Grantees must acknowledge the TDA in all materials. Preferred acknowledgment is placement of the TDA ‘Play On’ logo with a statement that “this initiative was funded in part by the Jackson County Tourism Development Authority.”
-Failure to acknowledge the TDA may result in loss of funding and future denial of funding.
-Grantees must obtain copies of print placements or digital placements showing the ‘Play On’ acknowledgement to submit with their initiative evaluation. Applicants are encouraged to read the evaluation form prior to their initiative to understand what information should be collected for post-initiative evaluation.

Demographic data collection:
The JCTDA makes decisions based on research and all available data to guide future planning and funding. If your initiative is one that can collect demographic data such as the home zip code of attendees, estimated total sales from the initiative, or other metrics, we would request you supply us with this information to assist us in our destination research and marketing.

Budget:
Applicant must complete a detailed budget as part of your application, detailing income and expenses for your initiative. Indicate on your budget the specific areas where the grant money will be used. If a detailed budget is not attached, the grant request will not be considered.

Initiative Evaluation and Reporting:
Applicants must submit a written initiative evaluation (see attached) and return it to the TDA no later than thirty (30) days after completion of the initiative. Failure to submit the evaluation form could result in denial of funding for future applications and/or a request for reimbursement of funding. 

Grant Payment:
After the TDA has approved an application, an initiative may receive payment as appropriate based on the time frame of the initiative or initiative. Payment is preferable after the initiative has been completed and written evaluation, along with appropriately paid receipts and invoices, have been submitted to the TDA. 
 

By signing this form, the applicant certifies they will abide by grant program guidelines. Applicant understands submission of grant application is not an approval of funding and partial funds may be awarded or the scope of funding may be modified.