North Carolina offers various tourism-related grants to support initiatives that contribute to the development and promotion of the state’s tourism industry. Here are some potential sources for tourism grants in North Carolina:
- Visit North Carolina – Tourism Matching Funds Program:
- Visit North Carolina administers the Tourism Matching Funds Program, which provides matching funds for tourism-related projects. This program supports local tourism development initiatives.
- North Carolina Rural Economic Development Center – Community Capacity Building Program:
- The Community Capacity Building Program focuses on building the capacity of rural communities, including those engaged in tourism. While not exclusive to tourism, it may support projects that enhance community assets.
- North Carolina Arts Council – Grassroots Arts Program:
- The Grassroots Arts Program supports arts-related projects, including those that contribute to tourism by enhancing cultural and artistic experiences in communities.
- North Carolina Main Street and Rural Planning Center:
- The Main Street and Rural Planning Center supports downtown revitalization efforts, which may include projects that enhance tourism in historic downtown areas.
- North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources – Historic Preservation Grants:
- Historic Preservation Grants may support projects that preserve and promote historic sites, contributing to cultural tourism. This program is part of the North Carolina Historical Commission.
- North Carolina Green Business Fund:
- While not exclusively for tourism, the Green Business Fund supports projects related to sustainable practices and technologies that could be beneficial for tourism-related businesses.
- North Carolina Community Foundation:
- The North Carolina Community Foundation may offer grants for community projects, including those related to tourism. Local community foundations may have specific grant programs supporting tourism initiatives.
- North Carolina Outdoor Heritage Advisory Council – Outdoor Heritage Trust Fund:
- The Outdoor Heritage Trust Fund may support outdoor recreation projects that contribute to tourism. This fund is administered by the North Carolina Outdoor Heritage Advisory Council.
- North Carolina Sea Grant:
- North Carolina Sea Grant focuses on coastal and marine research, outreach, and education. While not a traditional tourism grant, their projects may contribute to coastal tourism.
- North Carolina Division of Coastal Management – Public Beach and Waterfront Access Grant Program:
- This program supports projects that improve public access to coastal waters, enhancing opportunities for tourism and recreation along the coast.
- North Carolina Department of Commerce – Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program:
- CDBG funds may be used for community development projects, including those that enhance tourism infrastructure and amenities in eligible communities.
- North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation – Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF):
- The PARTF provides funding for public parks and recreation projects, including those that enhance tourism through outdoor recreation opportunities.
Always check the eligibility criteria, application guidelines, and deadlines for each grant program. Additionally, consider collaborating with local tourism boards, chambers of commerce, and community organizations to strengthen grant proposals and contribute to the growth of tourism in North Carolina.