Transylvania County Tourism Grant & Partner Funding | Brevard
Select Page
Adventure Guide Button

Grant and Project Funding Opportunities

TCTDA MISSION

The mission of the Transylvania County Tourism Development Authority (TCTDA) is “to generate and enhance tourism opportunities in Transylvania County through strategic promotion coordinated with tourism-related businesses and local government and to contribute to a vibrant, sustainable economy.”  There are various ways the TCTDA accomplishes its strategic goals and objectives.  Providing funding and other support to local tourism-related projects, coordinated by dedicated and knowledgeable individuals/organizations, is one such way the TCTDA has a positive impact on tourism and the community.

There are three paths for project funding.  Following is a description of each.  All applicants must review the information outlined below to determine if their project is eligible for TCTDA funding, and to determine which application to complete.

 

Project Funding Paths and Associated Criteria

Tourism Marketing

These projects should be designed to generate overnight visitation and/or add significant value to the visitor experience.  Strong preference is given to efforts that impact traditionally slower periods of visitation.  These projects are often events but can also be programs or other initiatives.  Examples include the Assault on the Carolinas, which generates meaningful overnight visitation, and Brevard Old Time Street Dances, which provides a cultural heritage experience for visitors.  Applications are evaluated on the following criteria:

  • Generation of overnight visitation. Note that there is a strong preference for off-peak times.  Highest priority is December through March and midweek in April, May, September and November.
  • Significant enhancement of the visitor experience.
  • Alignment with the TCTDA mission and Transylvania County’s local brand.
  • Ability of organization to handle all aspects of the event or project independently.
  • Primary impact on Transylvania County.
  • New or substantially changed projects are given priority.
  • Marketing and promotion outside of Transylvania County directly attributable to awarded funding.

Tourism Marketing requests should be made for up to a maximum of $4,999.  Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with no specific deadlines.  The applicant will typically be made aware of a decision within 30 days.

Destination Infrastructure

These projects must make a substantial impact on the tourism infrastructure of the destination.  Identified priorities are cycling, downtown Brevard, entryways to our public lands, arts, music, and outlying community.  These are typically brick and mortar.  Past funded projects include a downtown street mural and the Brevard Area Trail System.   Projects are evaluated on the following criteria:

  • Preservation and enhancement of the infrastructure and resources of the tourism destination.
  • Alignment with the destination’s brand and/or the priorities listed above.
  • Shovel-ready with completion within the next 12 months.
  • TCTDA support is the final piece of the project funding required for the project.
  • Ability of organization to handle all aspects of the project independently.
  • Primary impact on Transylvania County.

There is no maximum amount for Destination Infrastructure requests.  Project requests are typically in the $1,000 to $25,000 range, with funding varying based on the magnitude of the project.  Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with no specific deadlines.  The applicant will typically be made aware of a decision within 30-60 days.  For requests for larger amounts, an in-person presentation may be required.

Transylvania Always

These projects must be aligned with the mission of the TCTDA’s Transylvania Always initiative by either addressing the impact of users in public lands or creating safe and enjoyable use of natural recreational assets.  Past projects include the relocation of the Cantrell Creek trail (dealing with user impact) and funds to clear strainers and blockages along the French Broad River (safe and enjoyable use).  Applications are evaluated on the following criteria:

  • Addressing the impact of users in our public lands.
  • Creating safe and enjoyable use of our natural recreational assets.
  • Shovel-ready with completion within the next 12 months.
  • TCTDA support is the final piece of the project funding required for the project.
  • Ability of organization to handle all aspects of the event or project independently.
  • Primary impact on Transylvania County.

There is no maximum amount for Transylvania Always requests.  Project requests are typically in the $1,000 to $25,000 range, with funding varying based on the magnitude of the project.  Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with no specific deadlines.  The applicant will typically be made aware of a decision within 30-60 days.  For requests for larger amounts, an in-person presentation may be required.

 

Eligibility and Other Requirements

  • Applications are accepted from nonprofit organizations and corporations that are registered and active with the North Carolina Secretary of State office. A completed W-9 is required as a part of the application.
  • Only one request per project may be made each calendar year. Organizations may apply for funding for different projects within the same year.
  • If the project occurs annually, additional requests in following years are allowed, although preference is given to new projects. Repeat requests are reviewed with a higher level of scrutiny.  Additional considerations include detailed reporting on prior years and any new elements.
  • A detailed budget must be included with the application.
  • At least 20% of the project costs should be provided from other funding sources (i.e., the applicant and/or other partners).  In-kind donations do not count toward this calculation.
  • Approved funds must be used within one year of the award date or be returned to the TCTDA.
  • Approved funds cannot be transferred to another party.
  • If there are substantial changes to a project after approval of funds, the TCTDA must be notified and provided an opportunity to assess if the applicant still qualifies for funding.
  • The project must be tourism-related and provide significant benefit to Transylvania County.
  • Appropriate TCTDA support credit must be included in all applicable areas (see below for more detail).
  • A detailed Project Evaluation Report (PER) must be submitted within 30 days of project completion. Future funding requests by applicant will not be considered without a PER for any previous projects (see below for more detail)

 

Partnership Credit

It is a priority of the TCTDA to show the positive impact that tourism has on our community and provide examples to future applicants of the types of projects the TCTDA supports.  The TCTDA must receive appropriate partnership credit on ads, promotional material and press releases, and recipients are encouraged to acknowledge TCTDA support at every possible opportunity.  The name “Transylvania County Tourism Development Authority” should be used.  If necessary due to space limitations, “Transylvania County Tourism” is acceptable.  A digital version of the TCTDA’s organizational logo will be shared with approval of funding.

 

Reporting

By completing this application, the applicant acknowledges it will provide the following reporting to the TCTDA.  Failure to do so disqualifies the applicant from future funding considerations.

  • A 250-word quarterly progress report sent to virginia.watkins@transylvaniacounty.org.

  • In-person updates as needed.

  • A Project Evaluation Report (PER) must be submitted within 30 days of the conclusion of the project.

  • The applicant must maintain records of expenditures made with TCTDA funding and include a financial report of those expenditures in the PER. Additional financial reporting may be required for funding of $5,000 or more.

 

Submitting an Application

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.  Requests must be received at least 45 days in advance of deadlines for marketing materials to promote the project so the TCTDA may be included.  Requests should not be made last-minute and may not be funded due to insufficient time.  As a reminder, projects must be shovel-ready, with full or substantial completion within one year of the application date.

Links to application forms can be found below.  Applications should be submitted via the online form.  If necessary, answers to each question can be typed on a separate page with corresponding numbers indicated.  Handwritten applications will not be accepted.

Applicants requesting funding of $4,999 or less will typically receive an official answer within 30 days.  Requests for $5,000 or more may take longer and could require an in-person presentation.

 

Review Process

All requests will be reviewed in a fair and ethical manner by the TCTDA Board of Directors or one of the TCTDA’s designated committees based on the parameters outlined in this document.  The number of requests received by the organization and the level of available funding may impact final decisions.  All elements of TCTDA funding opportunities are managed at the sole discretion of the Transylvania County Tourism Development Authority, including the application review process and all subsequent funding decisions.  All decisions of the TCTDA are final.

Note that the application and any other information submitted before or after the review process is considered public record

 

Indemnity

Funding recipient agrees, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the TCTDA, its officers, directors, affiliates, employees, volunteers, and agents, from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses and expenses (including reasonable attorney’s fees) directly, indirectly, wholly or partially arising from or in connection with any act or omission of recipient, its employees or agents, in applying for or receiving funds from the TCTDA, in expending or applying funds or in carrying out the event/project as set forth in the proposal.

 

Questions

For questions, please contact the TCTDA office at virginia.watkins@transylvaniacounty.org or 828-884-8900.

DOWNLOAD THE TOURISM GRANT PROGRAM APPLICATION BELOW