As the Regional Destination Management Organization (RDMO), Visit Central Oregon (VCO) understands the importance of protecting and enhancing the region for future generations. In response, Visit Central Oregon will launch an annual grant program known as the Central Oregon Future Fund in December of 2022. In fiscal year 2022-23, VCO will award $840,000 generated from TRT (Transient Room Tax) collected by both Deschutes County and Travel Oregon.
Interested in Applying?
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- The grant application period opens on January 16, 2023.
- The grant period is for 12 months.
- We encourage applicants to submit projects between approximately $20,000 to $150,000. Projects above and below these amounts will be considered.
- Each project requires its own application.
- There is no match requirement, however priority points will be given for match funding of at least 10% of the total project.
- Central Oregon Future Fund applicants may apply for grants annually.
About the Future Fund
The Central Oregon Future Fund is a newly established annual grant program managed by Visit Central Oregon. The purpose of this program is to reinvest TRT (Transient Room Tax) dollars generated from overnight visitors back into the region to create positive revitalization for visitors and residents alike.
Fund Goals
- Invest in projects that create, protect, or preserve a tourism asset
- Create positive and long-term impact for both residents and visitors
- Support projects that have broad community support
Fund Pillars
Projects that fall under the three main pillars will be taken under consideration and are encouraged to apply.
Sustainability
Projects that mitigate or improve the impacts of tourism.
Cultural Tourism
Projects that enhance the region’s economy through cultural tourism with a focus on non-peak seasons and bolstering regional rural communities.
Access Adventure
Projects that enhance or improve accessibility and inclusion for visitors and the community.
Grant Timeline
Details | Date |
---|---|
Grant Guidelines released | December 13, 2022 |
Informational webinar | January 10, 2023 - 1 pm PST |
Online application open | January 16, 2023 |
Informational webinar | January 17, 2023 - 1 pm PST |
Online application period closes | February 28, 2023 |
Grant application status notification | April 7, 2023 |
Grant award contract sent to grantees | April 21, 2023 |
Grant award contract due back to VCO | April 28, 2023 |
Initial funds released | May 15, 2023 |
Informational Webinars
Visit Central Oregon will host two – one-hour webinars for potential applicants for the Central Oregon Future Fund. If you are considering applying for this fund, we encourage you to attend one of the two webinars. We will review the program guidelines, and scoring criteria, provide a short demonstration of the application platform, and answer any questions you may have. These sessions will be recorded for those who are unable to attend. Please contact grants@visitcentraloregon.com for more information.
Tues, January 10, 2023
Tues, January 17, 2023
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Frequently Asked Questions
HOW DO I KNOW IF I AM ELIGIBLE OR IF MY ORGANIZATION IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR THE FUTURE FUND GRANT?
For competitive grants, you can check the “Eligibility” section of the Request for Applications (RFA). Eligible entities include non-profit entities, private businesses, federally recognized tribal entities, and cities and municipalities.
HOW DO I CREATE AN ACCOUNT WITH THE ONLINE GRANT SYSTEM?
Navigate to the login page at [URL available by January 16, 2023], and click “Create New Account” to register and create an applicant profile. Once you have registered, be sure to keep your login information in a secure place for your records.
IMPORTANT NOTES FOR ORGANIZATIONS
In the first registration section, labeled Applicant Information, provide your organization’s information (name, address, phone, etc.), not your personal information. In the next registration section, labeled User Information, provide your work contact information (business address, email, etc.), not your home or personal information.
WHAT IS MY USERNAME?
Your email address becomes your username, so each user account must have a unique email address.
CAN I LOOK AT THE APPLICATION BEFORE I START?
Starting January 16, 2023, the grant portal will be open. First, you need to create an account. Then you will be able to preview the application before you start.
- Visit the “Apply” page (it will open in a new browser tab or window) to see available application.
- When you’ve found the grant opportunity, click the “Preview” button. While you are previewing the application, you can also click the “Question List” button in the upper right to generate a blank application in PDF format. If you have difficulty previewing an application, please contact grants@visitcentraloregon.com.
DO I HAVE TO COMPLETE MY APPLICATION ALL AT ONCE?
No. At the bottom of the online application, there is a “Save as Draft” button. We recommend you save your application often and before logging out. You can log in at a later time to continue working on your application. We recommend that you cut and paste your application answers after each question into a Word document to save as a backup.
ARE THERE CHARACTER LIMITS TO THE APPLICATION QUESTIONS?
There are limits on the amount of text you can submit. You will see a character counter displayed below the entry field. This will actively tell you how many characters you have entered and will let you know when you are approaching the limit. You will not be able to save a draft of your application if you exceed the character limit. A page is a little over 3,000 characters. You are not required to reach the character limit!
HOW DO I CONTINUE AN APPLICATION THAT I’VE ALREADY STARTED?
If you have already begun the application process, you will find your draft application on your Applicant Dashboard (the first page after you log on, or click the “Home” icon at the top left of the screen).
- Find your in-progress application, and click the “Edit Application” link to the right.
- DO NOT click “Apply;” that will start a new application, instead of taking you to your application in progress.
WHAT TIME DO I NEED TO SUBMIT MY APPLICATION BY?
All applications and required supporting documents must be submitted by 5:00 pm (Pacific Standard Time) on February 28, 2023. You will not be able to submit your application after that.
WHAT FILE FORMATS WILL BE ACCEPTED FOR ATTACHMENTS?
We prefer that you attach files in a PDF format (.pdf). We will also accept files in Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx) or Excel (.xls or .xlsx). Unacceptable formats include files with “exe,” “com,” “vbs,” and “bat”extensions.
I DO NOT HAVE THE REQUIRED ATTACHMENTS IN ELECTRONIC FORM? CAN I MAKE OTHER ARRANGEMENTS TO DELIVER THEM TO YOU?
No. The online system will not allow you to submit your application unless you attach the required materials. If you do not have the documents filed electronically, you can scan the information into a PDF file. If you do not have a scanner at your organization, you can scan your documents at a copy shop or a public library.
Download your converted documents to your computer and save them. Upload the documents to the appropriate questions on the online form.
WHAT PROOF OF FEDERAL TAX ID DO I NEED TO UPLOAD IF I AM A PRIVATE BUSINESS?
For-profit entities must show proof of EIN. The document needed to show Proof of Federal Tax ID in the grant application is the EIN Confirmation Letter from the IRS. If this number is lost or misplaced, you can contact the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933.
ARE MATCHING FUNDS REQUIRED?
No, there is no cost-share or match requirement for this grant. However, applications demonstrating a 10% or greater cash match will be awarded priority points. In order to receive these points, the applicant must submit a letter of support documenting the match. This letter should include the source of the match, the amount, and dates of availability.
WHAT ARE PRIORITY POINTS?
Applications that include projects taking place in non-peak season (the timeframe between October 1 until the Friday prior to Memorial Day weekend, excluding the week between Christmas and New Year holidays), projects that demonstrate impact in more than one jurisdiction, or projects that include a 10% or great cash or in-kind match will receive priority points.
WHAT IS THE SIZE OF THE GRANT?
We encourage applicants to submit projects between approximately $20,000 to $150,000. Projects above and below these amounts will be considered.
WHEN DOES THE PROJECT PERIOD BEGIN?
The grant period is 12 months. The project period begins on May 1, 2023.
CONTACT: grants@visitcentraloregon.com
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