BUCKS COUNTY TOURISM GRANT PROGRAM

Overview

Visit Bucks County, in partnership with the County of Bucks, is accepting grant applications for the Bucks County Tourism Grant Program. Beginning in 2008 and funded through a percentage of the County’s tax on lodging, the program aims to increase visitation from outside Bucks County resulting in economic impact and supporting jobs.

In accordance with Act 18 of 2016, the Bucks County Tourism Grant Program provides grants for projects for tourism marketing, promotion, product development, enhancement of attractions, special events, exhibits and festivals that drive overnight travel to Bucks County, strengthen the vitality of the Bucks County tourism and hospitality community, result in increased economic activity, and do not compete with private sector tourism.

Visit Bucks County is the administrator of the program and oversees the documentation process in compliance with the program guidelines. Awards are established on the basis of merit as determined by the Bucks County Tourism Grant Committee. 

Beginning in 2020, one grant recipient each cycle shall be recognized as the Charles H. Martin Grant Recipient, in recognition of Commissioner Martin’s commitment to the Bucks County Tourism Grant Program.

Click here to watch the Webinar Recording from August 11, 2022 that explains the grant process in depth.

Program Timing

Applications for the Bucks County Tourism Grant Program shall be accepted on an annual basis.

2022 Timeline
Application opens September 6, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. 
Grant applications are due no later than October 6, 2022 at 5:00 p.m.

2022 Grant Program Activity Period

Activities or projects must take place within the Grant Program Activity Period.

2022 Grant Program Activity Period
January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2023

2022 Award Amounts

Award Minimum: $2,500

Award Maximum: $40,000

Program Rules and Regulations

Eligible recipients are limited to tourism and/or hospitality businesses located in Bucks County. Other restrictions apply.

Click here to view the Bucks County Tourism Grant Program Rules and Regulations. Base terms follow Pennsylvania State Regulations in accordance with Pennsylvania law, Act 18 of 2016.

Submit an Application

Click here to view a preview of the 2022 Tourism Grant Application. 

The following documentation will be required with each application:

Non-Profit Organizations: ​

• Comprehensive project budget provided on Budget Worksheet
• List of officers. 
• Copy of 501-C3, 501-C6 (U.S. Department of Treasury IRS Tax-Exempt Status Determination Letter)
• Articles of Incorporation/Articles of Organization - Click here to view a PA State example
• Subsistence Certificate (Note: Document may take time to obtain. Request ASAP.) Click here to view a sample certificate
• W9
• Marketing piece or photos if related to grant request

For Profit Organizations:

• Comprehensive project budget provided on Budget Worksheet
• List of owners.
• Articles of Incorporation/Articles of Organization - Click here to view a PA State example 
• Subsistence Certificate (Note: Document may take time to obtain. Request ASAP.) Click here to view a sample certificate
• W9
• Marketing piece or photos if related to grant request

Need help? Contact Visit Bucks County, visit the FAQ page, or contact Customer Support.

FAQs: https://help.smapply.io/hc/en-us/sections/115000366434-Applicant-Recommender-and-Reviewer-FAQ

Customer Support: https://bcgrantprogram.smapply.io/helpdesk/

Program Documents

• Rules and Regulations
• Application Checklist
• Application Preview
• Budget Template
• Grant Completion Report Preview
• Grant Completion Report Expenditures Worksheet
• Grant Change or Extension Request Form

Bucks County Tourism Grant Program inquiries should be directed to:

Kelley Keeling
Senior Research & Destination Development Manager
KelleyK@visitbuckscounty.com
215-639-0300 ext. 240