The following opportunities are currently available.
These are opportunities that Visit Central Oregon has been made aware of that may support travel and tourism businesses and attractions. Please reach out to funding organizations directly with any questions.
Updated: 8/21/23
Regional
The Central Oregon Future Fund is an 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. The Future Fund invests in projects that create, protect, or preserve a tourism asset, create positive and long-term impact for both residents and visitors and have broad community support. Application window will open later this fall.
Business Development Incentives
Visit Central Oregon strives to create a thriving, year round tourism economy. By working with our lodging partners to secure group business in non-peak seasons we allow our local businesses to retain staff on a year-round basis.
The Bend Sustainability Fund, a Visit Bend Project, reinvests tax revenue generated through short-term lodging tax paid by visitors into the places and spaces that create sustainable experiences in our community. Sustainability is based on three pillars: economic, environmental, and social. Application window opens Sept. 1, 2023.
The Bend Cultural Tourism Fund (BCTF) is a grant program funded by Visit Bend to enhance Bend’s economy through cultural tourism. From musical productions to art exhibits to film festivals and more, the BCTF supports cultural opportunities that draw visitors to Bend. The 2023 application window is closed. Please check back for 2024 application dates.
Recreation
Land & Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)
This program funds the development, rehabilitation, and acquisition of a wide variety of outdoor recreation facilities. Eligible applicants include local governments, certain state agencies, and tribal governments. Approximately $4 million is available. Applications are due on the OPRD Grants website on November 1, 2023.
Recreational Trails Program (RTP)
This program mainly funds the development and heavy restoration of public recreation trails for motorized and non-motorized use. Eligible applicants include local governments, state agencies, federal agencies, tribal governments, and eligible nonprofits. Approximately $1.6 million is available. Letters of Intent are due on the OPRD Grants website by September 30 and completed applications are due on November 15, 2023.
Downtown
Awards up to $50,000 for shovel-ready projects. They help fund projects that foster local connections, like technology upgrades, outdoor spaces, the arts, and community centers. Applicant’s proposal must include plans, budget, timeline, anticipated impact, and up to five letters of support.
Matching grants to nonprofits, tribal government, universities and local governments for projects that conserve, develop or interpret Oregon’s heritage (2023 applications for cycle open August 2023).
Restore facades of buildings to historical appearance and qualify for historical designation (application opens late January 2024).
Main Street Revitalization Grant
Supports downtown revitalization efforts in communities participating in the Oregon Main Street Network. Only organizations participating in the Oregon Main Street Network are eligible to apply. The purpose of the program is to acquire, rehabilitate and construct buildings on properties in designated downtown areas statewide as well as facilitate community revitalization that will lead to private investment, job creation or retention, establishing or expanding viable businesses, or creating a stronger tax base.