Program Overview
Hamilton County included $1.25 million in the 2025 general fund budget to support large tourism events that attract visitors, impact hotel room occupancy, and create a significant economic impact for Hamilton County. See program details below:
Launch on Wednesday, December 19th, 2024
Close on Monday, January 24th, 2025 at 5:00 pm
Large Tourism Event Grant application
Event Eligibility Requirements
- The event must occur in 2025.
- The event must be a special event scheduled for one day or multiple days over a defined timeframe. Recurring events within Hamilton County are NOT eligible for funding.
- The event must be open to the public. The event may be free or charge admission.
- The event must be held at an accessible location within Hamilton County.
- The event must be able to obtain all required permits and approvals.
- The event must provide professional and reasonable documentation of an economic impact of at least $40 million on Hamilton County and/or demonstrate a significant increase in hotel room night occupancy over the period of the event.
Eligible Expenses
- Equipment rentals
- Marketing and promotion
- Entertainment and performers
- Permits and licenses
- General liability insurance
- All expenses must pertain to Hamilton County (i.e. rental equipment must be utilized in Hamilton County, entertainment must perform or be displayed in Hamilton County)
Selection Criteria
Selection of applications to recommend for funding will be primarily based on the following criteria:
- Demonstrated economic impact the event will create for Hamilton County. This includes increase of room nights, spending by attendees and other relative economic impact factors. All figures and projections in the application must be supported with credible and detailed documentation.
- Demonstration of financial need. Explain how County funding will secure and/or increase the desired economic impact of the event.
- Extent to which the event complements Hamilton County policy priorities, programs, and assets.
Reporting Requirements
- Applicants who receive grant funding will be required to complete a detailed report on how funds were spent, along with specific documentation of the event's economic impact.
For questions, please contact Kelly Adamson at (513) 946-4437 or [email protected] with any questions.