Hernando County Tourist Development Council
Grant Funding Program Application, Procedures and Agreement
The primary purpose of the Hernando County TDC Special Event Grant Funding Program is to provide funding to local organizations for marketing of special events that promote Hernando County as a tourist destination. Funds received pursuant to the Special Event Grant Funding Program must ONLY be used for expenditures associated with marketing and promoting the event to visitors and guests outside of Hernando County, with the goal of encouraging overnight visitors. The program is administered through the Hernando County Tourist Development Council (HCTDC) and Florida’s Adventure Coast Visitors Bureau.
Applicants are required to provide a completed application with a detailed marketing plan.
Local special events that may receive funding must demonstrate a history of producing room nights, creating positive economic impact, and/or the potential to draw visitors to the area with a regional marketing plan. In addition, applicants must be able to project a number of overnight visitors staying in Hernando County accommodations. The application should specify the grant dollar amount requested and a detailed proposed use of the requested funds.
We are pleased to announce that the Grant Funding Program for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 was an overwhelming success. All available funds have been awarded.
The Grant Funding Program will resume in Fiscal Year 2026-2027
Applications will be reviewed at a TDC Meeting and funding recommendations forwarded to the BOCC for review and final approval. Please allow ample time for the approval process and creation of a Purchase Order. It is strongly advised to apply in advance, however, please note exact dates for Quarterly Application Deadlines.
Applications for grants for the FY 2026-2027 year must be received as follows:
The number of grants awarded, and the amount of each grant award, will depend upon the availability of designated funds and specific allocations.
All Local Special Event Funding Grants are reimbursement grants and will be paid upon completion of the event and submission of an invoice and required documentation.
There are several requirements to be met to be eligible for grant funding.
1. Funds are for advertising and marketing expenses for the event only.
2. All advertisements MUST include the Florida's Adventure Coast logo and MUST be pre-approved by Visitors Bureau staff prior to use. Allow 2 business days for approval.
3. All Social Media ads must include the hashtag #FLAdventureCoast.
4. An Invoice requesting reimbursement, along with a report on the event, must be submitted to the HCTDC within 60 days of the close of the event. Invoices must be made out to the HCTDC and include copies of paid invoices, cancelled checks, tear sheets, printed samples or other backup information to substantiate the request for funds. The link to the electronic reporting form will be sent to you with the notification of your grant.
5. Invoices for all advertising and expenses, WITH copies of the ads, AND proof of payment MUST be submitted with your report and invoice.
6. All applications and subsequent reports must be submitted through the Grant Funding Portal. Please do not submit your reports in any other format.
7. You must meet all of the requirements listed above to receive your grant funding reimbursement. If you skip any steps or do not seek approval of your ads, you will be disqualified and will not receive your reimbursement.