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: 7/5/24
Regional
The Central Oregon Future Fund is an annual grant program managed by Visit Central Oregon. The purpose of this program is to reinvest transient room tax (TRT) dollars generated from overnight stays 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. The application window for the 2024 cycle closed on February 16.
Visit Central Oregon Partnership & Sponsorship Opportunities
Requests must be less than $10,000 and should be separate from any other requests or applications for other Visit Central Oregon funds (e.g., Future Fund, RCTP, etc.). Sponsorship requests must align with VCO’s strategic objectives (drive awareness and visitation to Central Oregon, destination management, prioritize DEI, bolster economic growth and advocate for economic importance of tourism) and be relevant to supporting tourism in Deschutes, Jefferson, Crook and/or S. Wasco counties.
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. Applications have closed for this cycle. Check back soon.
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. Applications have closed for this cycle. Check back soon.
Recreation
Grants for land acquisition, development and major rehabilitation projects that are consistent with the outdoor recreation goals and objectives contained in the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP). New grant cycle now open.
April 1: Large Grant applications due.
May 1: Small Grant applications due.
May 15: Planning Grant applications due.
Learn more
Environmental
The Environmental Center’s Rethink Waste Project is accepting applications for the 2024 Community Innovation Fund (CIF). This program provides up to $5,000 per awarded project to implement waste reduction, reuse, recycle, and compost projects throughout Deschutes County. The Rethink Waste Project will provide a total of $54,500 in awards and application, implementation, and evaluation support in 2024. Depending on project budget requirements, 12 to 20 projects will be funded. Winter application due date is March 1, 2024.
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. Deadline to apply is May 1.
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. Application opens late January 2025.
Arts & Culture
AIANTA – Cultural Tourism Funding Opportunities
AIANTA collects funding opportunities that may be of interest to Indigenous or Native American tourism & hospitality enterprises looking to grow their tourism, culture, heritage, arts, agritourism or other culture and heritage programming.