The Olympic Peninsula Visitor Bureau (OPVB) is seeking applications for qualified tourism project grants, primarily targeted to off-peak season activities within Clallam County.

Tourism Enhancement Grants are accepted four times during the year. Grant application deadlines for 2019 funds are: Feb. 1, April 1, Sept. 3 and Nov. 1.

“Our goal is to help develop a more year-round tourism base, to better contribute to a healthy local economy by supporting local activities, spending, tax generation and jobs through increased visitation to the area,” OPVB executive director Marsha Massey said.

OPVB Grant Committee Reviews are completed a little more than a week after deadlines, with board approval about two weeks after deadlines.

The bureau is looking to put marketing funds into promoting events under a grant program, giving Clallam County event promoters a “much-needed boost in their marketing budget – especially for a new project just getting off the ground,” said Linda Offett, OPVB Board President and manager of the Forks Timber Museum.

“The goal (is) to help attract over-night visitors to our local lodging, especially spring and fall, and ultimately generate more lodging tax funds. Whenever your event falls, consider contacting us.”

Tourism Enhancement Grants support tourism marketing, collateral production, promotion of area festivals and events and website development, primarily within Clallam County.

Grant guidelines and applications are available at www.olympicpeninsula.org/page/tourism-grants. Call Massey at 360-452-8552 for more information or if your organization is interested in applying for a grant.

Funds for this grant program are derived from revenue generated by the hotel/motel tax on lodging facilities in unincorporated Clallam County. Lodging tax revenue is designated for the promotion of tourism to encourage long-term economic growth through tourism-related projects or events that attract overnight guests to the destination.