About the Program
The Cass County Visitors Bureau Tourism Grant and Sponsorship Program is funded by revenues from the Innkeeper’s Tax. Its purpose is to support initiatives that increase tourism, attract visitors from outside Cass County, generate overnight stays, and strengthen the local economy. A visitor is an individual who travels from outside Cass County for leisure, recreation, entertainment, business, meetings, sporting events, cultural activities, shopping, dining, or other tourism-related purposes.
The purpose of the grant program is to promote the development and growth of tourism initiatives. The goal is to create a measurable economic impact on local businesses, attractions, restaurants, lodging providers, and communities.
Applications should demonstrate one or more of the following:
- Attract visitors from outside Cass County
- Increase overnight stays in Cass County
- Generate visitor spending at local businesses
- Promote Cass County as a tourism destination
- Enhance tourism amenities and visitor experiences
- Create long-term tourism assets
- Demonstrate measurable economic and community impact
- Generate positive media exposure
- Encourage repeat visitation
- Demonstrate strong marketing and promotional efforts
- Enhance the quality and sustainability of the event
- Leverage partnerships, sponsorships, and other funding sources
2027 Schedule
Events and projects that will take place / incur expenses between March 1, 2027 and June 1, 2027:
Application deadline: December 15, 2026
Applications will be reviewed in January 2027, with awards announced on or before February 1, 2027.
The tentative schedule for future grant cycles:
Events and projects that will take place / incur expenses between June 1, 2027 and September 1, 2027:
Application deadline: March 15, 2027
Awards announced by May 1, 2027
Events and projects that will take place / incur expenses between September 1, 2027 and December 1, 2027:
Application deadline: June 15, 2027
Awards announced by August 1, 2027
Events and projects that will take place / incur expenses between December 1, 2027 and March 1, 2028:
Application deadline: September 15, 2027
Awards announced by November 1, 2027
Eligibility
Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, government entities, municipalities, and tourism-related businesses. All applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be located in Cass County
- Be current on all taxes and regulatory filings
- Have no outstanding reporting requirements from previous CCVB grants
- Demonstrate the organizational capacity to complete the proposed project
Grant Guidelines and Requirements
Projects are required to demonstrate a clear, measurable benefit to the tourism sector and specifically attract visitors from beyond Cass County. Preference will be given to initiatives that effectively highlight the potential for overnight stays, engage in regional marketing efforts, promote local destinations, and foster partnerships among multiple organizations. By focusing on these criteria, we will enhance the overall appeal of Cass County as a travel destination.
All grant applications must be completed in full and typed using the Grant & Sponsorship Application PDF Form Applications shall be submitted electronically in PDF format through the Cass County Visitors Bureau’s designated e-mail address listed on the application . The CCVB may request additional documentation.
Applications are reviewed and approved by the Cass County Visitors Board (CCVB). The board has the discretion to deny, fully fund, or partially fund any request, and all funding decisions are final. Furthermore, the board is not required to utilize the entire allocated grant budget each year. The Board of Directors will adhere to the CCVB Conflict of Interest policy, disclose any relationships with applicants, and recuse themselves when necessary. Applicants must disclose any financial or organizational relationships with members of the CCVB Board of Directors.
Expenses incurred before written grant approval are not eligible for reimbursement.
The CCVB will notify all applicants of their decision.
The project or event must be completed within the grant program year. Awards do not carry over from year to year.
Grants will be awarded to events and projects that attract visitors from outside Cass County, generate hotel room bookings, and have a positive economic impact on surrounding businesses and attractions.
Applicants may apply for funding for the same festival, event, meeting, seminar, convention, marketing project, or product development for up to 3 consecutive years. After receiving funding for the same project for three consecutive years, applicants must demonstrate significant growth, expansion, or increased tourism impact to remain eligible for future funding.
Any major changes to the project after approval must be reported to the CCVB and may require full reconsideration of the application.
The Cass County Visitors Bureau reserves the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue the grant program at any time and to approve, partially fund, or deny any application at its sole discretion.
Grant awards are contingent upon annual appropriations and available funding. Submission of an application does not guarantee funding.
Successful applicants will be required to enter into a Grant Agreement with the Cass County Visitors Bureau outlining approved project activities, reporting requirements, reimbursement procedures, and performance expectations.
Grant Award Limits
Award Range: Up to $5,000
Applicants may receive:
- Up to two Event Sponsorship Grants per calendar year
- Multiple Promotions and Advertising Grants as funding allows
- One Destination Enhancement Grant per calendar year
Ineligible Grant Expenses
The following expenses are ineligible for all CCVB grant types.
- Alcohol purchases
- Capital purchases not directly related to the event
- Charitable donations
- Expenses incurred before grant approval
- Fundraising activities, including merchandise for resale
- Marketing directed primarily to Cass County residents
- Organizational operating expenses, such as salaries and employee benefits, utility expenses, rent, etc.
- Political, lobbying, or religious activities
- Purchase of land or buildings
- Yard signs and T-shirts
Marketing Requirements
All funded projects must:
- Acknowledge support from the Cass County Visitors Bureau
- Provide copies of promotional materials upon request
- Marketing materials utilizing the CCVB logo must comply with CCVB branding guidelines. CCVB reserves the right to review materials upon request
- Grant recipients will promote Cass County activities by placing a link to the CCVB website on the project/event’s website or social media pages
- Grant recipients are encouraged to follow and share CCVB social media content to help promote Cass County tourism.