The Bend Cultural Tourism Fund (BCTF) is a grant program dedicated to enhancing the local economy through the promotion and cultivation of Bend’s cultural tourism programs, with an emphasis on activities that help attract cultural tourists during the shoulder seasons and winter months.
For more information on the Bend Cultural Tourism Commission please click here.
GRANT CATEGORIES
Applicants will choose one grant category below. An applicant may apply to only one grant category, not both. Complete guidelines and eligibility information is noted within the application and online here.
- Marketing/Program Grants: This category is open to organizations, businesses, and individuals with proposals supporting established cultural tourism activity in Bend, with priority given to those activities occurring during its shoulder season and winter months.
- Catalyst Grants are intended to support the development of new events or products that further cultural tourism in Bend. Catalyst Grant award amounts are typically smaller than the Marketing Grants.
COVID-19 Considerations
The BCTF recognizes that many organizations are challenged to prepare project-based applications during this time. We encourage creative thinking and contingency planning. The BCTF acknowledges the need for organizations to adapt to changing circumstances.
Grant Objectives
Cultural tourism grants are intended to attract tourists to regionally based arts and culture projects, activities or events with a measurable and positive economic impact on the community of Bend. Grants may support:
- Programs designed to generate incremental tourism activity in the city of Bend during the shoulder seasons and winter months
- Targeted marketing for arts and cultural activities designed to attract visitors from outside a 50-mile radius of the city of Bend
- The development of packages or special promotions for arts or cultural tourism activities
- Research projects related to existing or potential cultural tourism programs with the intent of increasing cultural tourism activity in the City of Bend
- Other forms of tourism promotion that adhere to ORS.320.35
Eligibility
- For-profit businesses, not-for-profit organizations, government agencies, or individuals engaged in cultural tourism activities that happen in Bend may apply for BCTF funding.
- Completion of all required steps of the BCTF application process.
- Compliance with prior grant agreements with the BCTF Commission.
Other Considerations
- All BCTF projects must have the ability to measure the project’s economic impact.
- Recipients of BCTF grants should demonstrate a track record of responsible management and the resources and expertise to effectively execute the proposed program.
- Catalyst grant funds will not cover any travel for research or exploration. Travel may be reflected in the budget, but the applicant must demonstrate other funds or means to fulfill the plan.
DEADLINE: 5:00 pm, April 30, 2021. No Late applications are accepted. Once you submit your application, you will be unable to edit the document.
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
If you need technical assistance with online portal application, please contact ZoomGrants directly or search their online library for answers. How to Apply (VIDEO)
- Search for a quick answer at ZoomGrants University (help.zoomgrants.com)
- Contact ZG Support: Email questions@zoomgrants.com/ Phone 866.323.5404 ext. 2
If you are uncertain which grant category to apply under or have other questions (especially around COVID considerations), please schedule a phone call or meeting with the BCTF Administrator at laurel@laurelmacmillan.com.