Expanded Clinton County Tourism/Recreation Grant Program begins accepting applications

LOCK HAVEN, PA – The Clinton County Tourist Promotion Agency, in collaboration with the Clinton County Commissioners and County Planning Department, Thursday announced that applications are now being accepted for the 2023 Clinton County Tourism/Recreation Grant Program.

This year’s program sees a number of enhancements, including expanding those eligible to apply for funding, more funds dedicated to the program than ever before, and a new, easier-to-use online application.

The annual grant program is designed to support local nonprofit organizations and municipalities in the development and expansion of tourist and recreational assets and events that promote Clinton County and increase tourism. Grants are awarded to support marketing, promotional and advertising expenses; new project or event development and expansion; and infrastructure improvements that benefit tourism and enhance visitors’ experiences.

New this year, for-profit businesses that promote tourism and recreation will be able to seek grant funds, although those awards are limited to supporting promotion and advertising.

The 2023 program has earmarked $75,000 for grants, the highest amount ever allocated. Funds for the program come from monies collected through the county’s Hotel Tax, paid by those who stay overnight at local lodging establishments. The tax is passed from the county to the Tourist Promotion Agency to support tourist promotion.

All applicants will use a new online application developed by the County Planning Department. The online application, as well as guidelines and reporting requirements for the Tourism/Recreation Grant Program, is available through the Clinton County Government website at: https://www.clintoncountypa.gov/departments/funding-opportunities.

“We look forward to again working with local groups to offer financial support for tourism and recreation marketing and growth initiatives,” said Julie Brennan, director of the Tourist Promotion Agency, an arm of the Clinton County Economic Partnership. “In the past eight years, this program has pumped more than $330,000 in grants to worthy projects and events that help grow our local tourism and recreation assets.”

Brennan said the 2022 grant program supported 17 different local initiatives.
Applications for the Tourism/Recreation Grant Program will be accepted through Feb. 28. A grant committee then reviews all applications, with awards expected to be announced in March.

Correction: The link provided for information on the Clinton County Tourism/Recreation Grant Program in a recent news article was incorrect. The correct link for the grant program is: https://www.clintoncountypa.gov/departments/planning-grants-zoning/funding-opportunities. In addition, the email for Matt Croak in the Clinton County Planning Office is mcroak@clintoncountypa.gov.