2025 Kittitas County Lodging Tax Microgrant Application

Kittitas County, as the County Lodging Tax Grant Administrator, offers the County Microgrant, a reimbursable grant of up to $2,500 to support projects that align with Washington State lodging tax laws. This program is funded through lodging tax revenues and must comply with RCW 67.28.1817, which mandates that funds be used exclusively for tourism promotion and activities that attract and accommodate overnight visitors.

Eligibility & Requirements:

• Each entity may apply for a maximum award of $2,500.
• Funding is administered through the Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce per PSA 2025 funding guidelines.
• Organizations awarded lodging tax funding through the consolidated process are not eligible for a microgrant in the same funding cycle.
• Collaboration with other organizations and events is encouraged.
• Projects must align with at least one of the following goals:
  • Increasing overnight stays in Kittitas County.
  • Attracting visitors to Kittitas County that are at least 50 miles away.
  • Increasing non-resident visitor spending in Kittitas County
• Applicants must define measurable outcomes in their proposals and report on them post-project.

Eligible Uses of Funds:

Funding may be used for promotional and marketing activities, including:

• Print Advertising: Newspapers, flyers, direct mail.
• Electronic Media: TV, radio, video streaming ads.
• Publications: Magazines, travel guides, playbills.
• Web & Digital Marketing: Social media ads, pay-per-click campaigns, email marketing, banner ads.
• Website Enhancements: New website implementation, design updates, or mobile responsiveness (hosting fees are not eligible).
• Collateral Materials: Brochures, DVDs, CDs.
• Event Operations (Tourism-Oriented): Safety items, tents/canopies, AV rentals, chair/table rentals, generators, and similar equipment to support events attracting visitors.

All expenses must be pre-approved and reimbursable under Washington State lodging tax laws. Receipts and proof of performance will be required for reimbursement.

For further details on lodging tax regulations, visit: RCW 67.28.1817.

This section helps us understand your event or program and how it contributes to tourism in our community. The more details you provide, the better we can assess its potential impact. Be specific about how your event attracts visitors, how you measure attendance, and why it benefits the local economy. Clear, well-documented responses will strengthen your application and help us ensure lodging tax funds are used effectively.

Lodging Tax Grant – Allowable & Non-Allowable Expenses:

The Lodging Tax Advisory Committees have determined that certain expenses are NOT eligible for funding, even if tourism-related. These include, but are not limited to:
❌ Prizes for contestants
❌ Items for resale
❌ Food & drink (except for volunteer training)
❌ Beautification projects
❌ Fundraising & membership drives
❌ Payroll, ongoing rent, or mortgages
❌ Insurance & permit costs
❌ Capital & asset purchases (e.g., computers, iPads)

All funding decisions are at the discretion of the committees and may be subject to change.

The following ARE eligible for funding:
✅ Marketing, communication, & advertising outside of 50 miles of event/program
✅ Project specific supplies
✅ Facility rentals (including security & lighting)
✅ Equipment rentals (e.g., sound systems, two-way radios)
✅ Volunteer training (including food & clothing for volunteers, no resale)
✅ Speaker & talent/entertainment fees

 
Under no circumstances should an agency "bill themselves" as a reimbursable expense.  For instance if you may not be eligible for your own sites facility rental, regular staff labor, or other items where the organization would be the "payee."

Branding & Logo Requirements

All grant recipients must incorporate Kittitas County tourism branding and the Central Washington Outdoor logo in their advertising. Additionally, recipients must use the appropriate City tourism logo based on the event’s location:

Ellensburg: Use the myEllensburg logo
Cle Elum: Use the Discover Cle Elum logo

Logo Placement & Requirements

• Websites & Social Media:The Central Washington Outdoor logo and the applicable City tourism logo or URL must appear on the contractor’s homepage with an operational link to the corresponding tourism site. The logos must be at least ½ inch in height, surrounded by adequate white space for clarity, and cannot be altered in color or appearance.

 

• Print & Online Advertising: All promotional materials—including newspapers, flyers, posters, billboards, direct mail, e-newsletters, third-party websites, and social media ads—must display the Central Washington Outdoor logo and the appropriate City tourism logo or URL with a direct hyperlink (when digital). Logos must meet size and spacing requirements.

 

• Video Advertising: Any video promotions (e.g., TV, online, electronic kiosks, motion billboards) must visibly feature the Central Washington Outdoor logo and the City tourism logo in accordance with the established guidelines.

Central Washington Outdoor Logos: https://centralwashingtonoutdoor.com/media/
myEllensburg Logos:  https://myellensburg.com/media/
Discover Cle Elum Logos: https://discovercleelum.com/media-room/
Failure to adhere to these branding requirements may result in loss of funding eligibility.

It is imperative that all applicants understand the full requirements of the Micro Grant.

If you have reached this page please contact the Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce for assistance on the portions you have questions on.

Matt Anderson - Director of Business Development
matt@kittitascountychamber.com
509-925-2002

Acknowledgment and Certification

By signing below, I certify that, to the best of my knowledge, all information provided in this reimbursement request is accurate, complete, and in compliance with the guidelines set forth in the Lodging Tax Grant agreement. I understand that only expenses listed in the approved grant application and contract are eligible for reimbursement, and that all submitted documentation must meet the specified requirements.

Furthermore, I acknowledge that the Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce, in its role as administrator of the Lodging Tax Grant funds, will have the final authority in determining the eligibility of receipts and expenses submitted for reimbursement. I agree to adhere to all branding, reporting, and expenditure guidelines and accept that failure to comply with these requirements may result in denial or partial approval of my reimbursement request.