Tourism Grants (3% Bed Tax)

Applications Open July 1, 2026 for Chautauqua County’s 3% Tourism Product Development Grant Program

Grant Application window is July 1-October 1.

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Southwestern New York State Economic Plan

1. All Applications must be submitted online.
2. The online application portal is located above. Any supporting documentation should be uploaded within the application during the application period. The application provides the Applicant with flexibility to describe their project and to facilitate scoring by the Review Panel.
3. Failure to include accurate and complete information will result in the removal of the application from the review process. You will be notified if your application is incomplete prior to removal.
4. When completing your application for Occupancy Tax Funding, please review the scoring criteria identified in the Application Ranking section. This is used by the Review Panel to provide a consistent means of scoring and ranking each application.
5. The project budget must be submitted within the online application. Please identify the sources of funding for the project in the Project Budget section.  Sources of funding may include:
   1. Occupancy Tax Funding (limited to 50% of project, up to award cap)
   2. Monetary or in-kind contributions provided by the Applicant

• Monetary or in-kind contributions provided by a Partner or by another Agency or Organization

• The requirement for a 1:1 match can be a combination or individual contribution from ii. or iii. listed above. 50% of the match must be cash.

6. The Occupancy Tax Grant program does not limit who is eligible to apply but the applicant must provide clear evidence as to how the project will provide a public benefit and improve tourism and recreation opportunities.

The following project types are generally not eligible for funding. This list is not intended to be all-inclusive, and the Chautauqua County Department of Planning and Development reserves the right to make final determinations regarding project eligibility.

• General operating expenses or ongoing organizational costs
• Routine maintenance, repairs, or replacement of existing assets
• General business expansion, startup costs, or activities primarily intended to support day-to-day business operations
• Projects that primarily serve local residents rather than attracting visitors
• Projects without a clear tourism-related purpose or measurable tourism impact

The 3% Occupancy Tax Tourism Product Development Grant Program supports projects that increase Chautauqua County’s appeal as a tourism destination by developing and promoting unique visitor experiences. The program prioritizes innovative or enhanced attractions, events, marketing, and placemaking initiatives that attract regional and out-of-county visitors, especially overnight guests, while encouraging collaboration, leveraging investment, and demonstrating long-term sustainability and measurable tourism impact.

Event creation or enhancement, or destination marketing

Projects that create, expand, or promote tourism-focused events and marketing initiatives that attract new or returning visitors, enhance the visitor experience, encourage overnight stays, and increase Chautauqua County’s tourism impact.

Examples of past projects:

• SUNY Fredonia AI Film Festival
• Wings Over WNY Chautauqua Skies Airshow
• Skate Chautauqua
• Jamestown Dance Festival
• Ice Wine Festival
• Findley Lake I-86 Tourism Attraction Project
• Marden Cobb Waterway Trail Wayfinding and Informational Kiosks
• Discover & Explore: Jamestown Pictorial Map
• Peek ‘n Peak Multi-purpose Sports Complex Feasibility Study

Building, improving, planning or enhancing a place or attraction

Projects that enhance the visitor appeal and functionality of public spaces, tourism assets, attractions, and destination infrastructure by leveraging Chautauqua County’s unique natural, cultural, historical, or community assets. Eligible projects should improve, promote, or activate places and experiences that contribute to the overall tourism experience and strengthen the County’s appeal as a visitor destination.

Examples of past projects:

• Destination Marketing Campaign
• Promoting Outdoor Recreation Tourism in Chautauqua County with Aerial Video
• Visit Bemus Point: Next Step Marketing
• Chautauqua County Film, Television & Tourism Development Initiative
• Lake Erie Wine Country Updating Visual Asset

The grant application period is from July 1 – October 1 annually. Award decisions will be made between October and mid-November. Notice of funding Decisions will be sent out by the end of November. Awardee must respond by December 8^th with intention to accept or not accept the grant award.

An Agreement of Service will be sent after receipt of acceptance from organization’s designee. Funding will not be released before the County receives all required documentation from awardee. An initial payment of 75% of the total award will be released after January 1^st, and execution of the agreement The final 25% will be released after the submission of a satisfactory summary report prior to December 31^st.

Funded organizations must provide a summary report before December 31^st of the award year, demonstrating:

• Fulfillment the project scope
• Itemized budget describing how Occupancy Tax revenues were spent
  • Proof of matching funds
  • The financial report will be accompanied by a description of
    • project accomplishments
    • quantifiable results relevant to the original application and the Application Ranking Criteria
  • A copy of any plans, marketing materials, or study results
  • Photo(s) either of the event or project, or representative your organization.

25% of the award will be withheld until a satisfactory summary report is received by the County Department of Planning and Development.