The Alachua County Board of County Commissioners is seeking applications for the Tourism Product Development Grant Program. The Board has allocated a portion of the Tourist Development Tax revenue to aid in the promotion and support of programs and events to visitors and residents alike. Tourist Development Tax funds are governed by State Statute 125.0104, which states in part:
To promote and advertise tourism in the State of Florida and nationally and internationally; however, if tax revenues are expended for an activity, service, venue, or event, the activity, service, venue, or event shall have as one of its main purposes the attraction of tourists as evidenced by the promotion of the activity, service, venue, or event to tourists.
Alachua County adopted, in addition to the purpose stated in the State Statute quoted above, that an additional main purpose is the promotion and support of nature, arts, and culture in Alachua County.
All governmental institutions, municipalities, cultural, heritage, and nature-based community organizations that operate within the boundaries of Alachua County are eligible to apply for "Out of County" promotion and program support funds. These funds are for activities, venues, events, and services with a goal to measurably increase the tourism, economic impact, and to improve the quality of life for Alachua County citizens. All organizations must have not-for-profit status under the Division of Corporations and will be verified on Sunbiz.org (http://dos.myflorida.com/sunbiz/).
The maximum funding request per applicant is $50,000. An applicant or institution may submit more than one grant, but the total of all grants cannot be more than $50,000. Awarded funds will be reimbursed for event-related expenses. Applicants must spend a minimum of 35% of the award on "out of county" marketing, targeted to persons and groups who live outside the boundaries of Alachua County. For FY19 $790,367 is available for the Tourism Product Development Grant Program.
A mandatory pre-application meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 11, 2018, at 3 p.m., at the Freedom Community Center (7340 S.W. 41st Place, Gainesville). Grant Request for Applications (RFA #19-194) and detailed instructions are available online at http://www.visitgainesville.com/partners/grants-scholarships/tpd.
Completed applications must be received by 5 p.m., on Wednesday, April 25, 2018, at the Alachua County Procurement Office, on the third floor of the County Administration Building (12 S.E. 1st Street, Gainesville). Late applications will not be considered.
Questions regarding any portion of the application or application process must be made in writing, via email to twhite@alachuacounty.us or by mail to:
Purchasing Agent Theodore White
Alachua County Procurement Office
12 S.E. 1st Street 3rd Floor
Gainesville, Florida 32601
Verbal questions will be addressed during the pre-application meeting. All questions must be submitted no later than Saturday, April 14, 2018.