Fund is supported by visitor overnight stays
The amount of visitor stays in Healdsburg over the past year is about to payoff when the local lodging association, chamber of commerce and city award development grants to local nonprofits, cultural events or public infrastructure improvements.
The grants are funded by a portion of the two percent self-assessment added to all visitor tabs by participating inns of the Healdsburg Tourism Improvement District (HTID.)
Last year, $65,500 was awarded to grant applicants which included Corazon Day of the Dead, Healdsburg Jazz Festival, Alexander Valley Film Festival, Healdsburg Center for the Arts, Healdsburg Museum and Tuesday Concerts in the Plaza.
There is no specific amount of funds available each year as local lodging occupancy goes up or down and room rates change.
The HTID grant program is a funding mechanism to support arts, cultural and educational activities. The purpose of the grants is to support both visitors and locals with event support and economic development programs. Priority is given to events or projects that encourage activity and tourists during the slow season (November to March) and mid-week, according to the original grant management plan between the city and lodging group.
Applications for 2019 are due by Jan. 31, 2019. Awards may be given for full or partial amounts and awardees will be notified in March, 2019.
Full application information is available at www.healdsburg.com and applications are being collected by the Healdsburg Chamber of Commerce.
