2023-2024 Accommodations Tax Grant Application

PLEASE REVIEW THE GUIDELINES BEFORE BEGINNING THE APPLICATION PROCESS.
CITY OF SPARTANBURG APPLICATION GUIDELINES FOR

ACCOMMODATIONS TAX GRANT
Accommodations Tax Grants are provided to eligible projects through revenue received by the City for its share of the 2% lodging tax levied by the State of South Carolina. These monies can only be used for activities related to tourism, including:

1. Advertising and promotion of events that will increase tourism.

a. Expenditures that would qualify under this category would include monies spent on advertising in an attempt to promote the City of Spartanburg to tourists*.

2.    Promotion of the arts and cultural events

a.    Expenditures that would qualify under this category would include money used for advertising or promotion of a particular festival in the City of Spartanburg or

b.    Money used for advertising and promoting arts and cultural events held in the in the City of Spartanburg in an effort to attract tourists

3.    Support for facilities where civic and cultural events take place

a.    Eligible expenditures under this category can include the costs incurred in building a civic center, museum, or a coliseum.

b.    Money can also be used to fund the continued operation of such facilities including the cost of repairs and necessary additions to such facilities.

4.    Other eligible uses for Accommodations Tax funds include additional health, safety and public services for tourists; transportation shuttles; visitor information centers; and waterfront erosion control and repair.

          *A tourist is defined as those who travel at least 50 miles to attend an event

*City Accommodations Tax Grants are awarded to eligible projects that physically take place within the corporate limits of the City of Spartanburg.

*The event must “attract” and/or “provide for tourists.”

*All applicants must have an IRS Not For Profit Status or be a governmental agency.

*In order to apply for funds, a firm date must be set for the event (a date cannot be tentative) and a firm venue secured. Written confirmation of the secured venue should be provided along with the application.

An Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee, mandated by the State, reviews applications and makes recommendations to City Council for the award of these funds. (Applicants do not have to meet with the committee.) This committee is composed of representatives of the hospitality industry.
Accommodations Tax Grant Application

Funding Year 2023-2024
The Accommodations Tax Application form must be filled out completely. Supplemental information may be attached to the application, but not replace it. Projects must take place between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024.

Applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM on Friday, April 28, 2023. Applications received after this time and date, will not be accepted.

Following the Friday, April 28, 2023 deadline, the City of Spartanburg's Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee will meet to review the applications. The committee will then make recommendations for funding to city council. Applicants will be notifed following city council's funding decision.

PLEASE NOTE:

*Funds will not be distributed until after the new fiscal year begins in July.

*If your organization is sponsoring an event, funds will be available 60 days prior to your event. You will be contacted when the checks are available for pickup.

*Evaluation forms are due within 30 days after your event or completion of work.

Questions should be directed to

Kathy Hill-Community Relations Manager

864.596.2905

khill@cityofspartanburg.org or communityrelations@cityofspartanburg.org
Please initial after reading the guidelines.
CONTACT INFORMATION:

Please provide contact information of individual submitting this application:
First Name*
Last Name*
Title *
Email Address*
Telephone*
ORGANIZATION INFORMATION
Sponsor/ Organization Name*
Organizations Mailing Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Tax Status*
PROJECT/EVENT INFORMATION
Select the appropriate tourism related expense category

Advertising/promotion of tourism destinationPromotion of the arts and cultural activitiesSupport for facilities where civic and cultural events take placeOther eligible uses for Accommodations Tax grant
Grant Request Amount*
Project/Event Name*
Date of scheduled project/event

MonthDayYear
Date
Venue/location and address of project/event
Has the venue/location been confirmed for the event? *A letter of verification must be attached with other documents.
1. Describe the proposed project or activities for which funds are requested and the timetable for implementation:*
No Text Limit
2. How does this project/event attract visitors to the area and promote tourism?*
No Text Limit
3. Estimated Total Attendance: *
Of this total attendance, what is the estimated number of *tourist (non-residents) attending the event?*
*A tourist is defined as those who travel at least 50 miles to attend an event
How do you know where your visitors come from?*
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
1. Total Project Budget:*
*You may attach a copy of the budget but you must also complete the below information as presented.

2. How is this project funded? *

	Amount ($)
Other Accommodations Tax Grants (Spartanburg County)
Hospitality Tax Grant (City of Spartanburg)
Foundation Grants
Contributions
Fees/Sold Services (Admissions, etc)
Concessions/Merchandise
Sponsorships Sold
Space Rental Fees
Special Event Fundraisers
Other (Specify name & amount)
Other (Specify name & amount)
Other (Specify name & amount)
Total

3. Detail how the funds requested from the City of Spartanburg will be spent: *

	Amount ($)	Other (Specify)
Marketing and Advertising (billboards, social media, newspaper, etc.)
Equipment (example: tents, staging, etc.)
Facility upgrades/modifications for continued operations, equipment, etc.
Other (health, safety, public services for tourist)
Other
Total

Is there any other information the committee needs to know that would be helpful with this application?*
Please attach copies of your budget, venue confirmation and other documents requested.

Browse Files

Cancelof
I hereby certify that the above information and statements are true according to my best information and that all Accommodations Tax Funds that may be received from the City of Spartanburg will be solely used for the purposes set forth in the application and will comply with all laws and statues.
Applicant's initials
Applicant Name and Title*
Applicant Signature*

Clear
Date*
Upon submission your application will be sent directly to Kathy Hill. If you have any questions, please contact khill@cityofspartanburg.org. A copy of your application will be automatically sent to the email you’ve provided.
Should be Empty:

Accommodations Tax Grant Application

CONTACT INFORMATION:

ORGANIZATION INFORMATION

PROJECT/EVENT INFORMATION

FINANCIAL INFORMATION