TDC announces 2009-10 grant cycle

            The Franklin County Tourist Development Council (FCTDC) opens its 2009-10 grant cycle for Off Season and Sustaining Grants beginning July 3.

            The deadline for returning applications is Aug. 3, with notification of grant awards to be mailed on or before Oct. 1.

            The TDC funds two separate grant programs annually. The Off Season Grant program is intended to help promote tourism-based events and activities which reflect the county's natural, historical and/or cultural attributes.

            The Sustaining Grants Program is intended to help supplement operating expenses for tourism-related facilities or museums which promote the county's history, culture and nature.

            Last year the TDC funded $75,000 for Off-Season Grant awards, $5,000 for $500 special request awards and $100,000 for sustaining grants. For fiscal year 2009-10, the TDC has allocated $180,000 for the 2009-2010 grant programs and another $20,000 for publicity of events.

            The 2009-10 TDC Off Season Grant allocation is $80,000. This grant provides funding for festivals, sponsorships and assistance grants, and is subdivided into three categories: festival, sponsorship and assistance.

            Festival grants are provided to support organizations in producing and promoting large, multi-day events that result in high tourist demand and economic return. Each festival grant award is $7,500. A total of three festival grants may be awarded for the 2009-10 cycle. Sustaining Grant recipients are not eligible for this award. Anticipated attendance should be in excess of 5,000 people.

            Sponsorship Grants are provided to support organizations in producing and promoting mid-size, multi-day events that result in high tourist demand and economic return. Anticipated attendance for these events should be a minimum of 2,000 people. Each sponsorship grant award is $5,000. A total of six Sponsorship Grants may be awarded for the 2009-10 cycle.

            Assistance Grants are provided to assist organizations in producing and promoting full-day, recurring events which generate strong tourist demand and economic benefits. The anticipated attendance for these events should be a minimum of 400 people. Each assistance grant award is $2,000. A total of 11 Assistance Grants may be awarded in the 2009-10 cycle.

            A third, non-specific "Special Request Grant" category is available year-round to accommodate funding for unforeseen tourism related events/activities countywide. A total of $5,500 will be allocated for the 2009-2010 season and may be awarded as 11 separate $500 awards

            The TDC's Sustaining Grant Program allocation for 2009-10 is $100,000. This grant is intended to support ongoing operations for existing tourist destinations. Allocations will be divided among qualified applicants. Sustaining Grant award recipients are limited to one application for either a $5,000 Sponsorship Grant or a $2,000 Assistance Grant.

            The total allocation in all categories is subject to the availability of funds. The FCTDC may revise category allocations without notice prior to making awards. Grant awards are for the sole purpose of promoting events in Franklin County that will attract visitors.

            Grant applications for events that are primarily fundraising events for organizations are not eligible.

            Any Florida non-profit organization is eligible to submit an application for review by the TDC Grants Committee.

            To learn more or to request a grant application, please call Fran Edwards at the TDC Administrative Office, 653-8678.

            On or after July 3, 2009, you may download an application from the TDC website at www.anaturalescape.com or pick one up from the TDC Office at 17½ Avenue E, in Apalachicola.