The Village of Lombard will once again seek grant applications for local programs and events that support tourism and promote the Village as a destination to nonresident visitors. The application process opens September 27, 2021. Interested first time applicants to the Local Tourism Grant Program are encouraged to submit an application for Local Tourism Grant funds to the Village by December 10, 2021.
The Village of Lombard’s Local Tourism Grant Program was developed by the Village through the Community Promotion and Tourism Committee, and provides funding for local programs and events that encourage overnight, non-resident visitors to visit the Village of Lombard. Applicants must be organizations seeking to produce and promote a clearly defined festival, program or convention that attracts overnight visitor stays in Lombard hotels.
The goal of the Local Tourism Grant Program is to positively impact the vitality of Lombard by contributing to the local economy through increased hotel occupancy, visitor travel and local expenditures. Groups applying for grant funds are encouraged to purchase all goods and services used for the event from businesses located in Lombard.
“We look forward to offering assistance to potential grantees who seek funding for their events, and hope to see new candidates come forward in this grant cycle," said Trustee Bernie Dudek, Chairman of the Community Promotion and Tourism Committee.
The initial deadline for the 2022 Local Tourism Grant Program is Friday, Dec. 10. First time applicants must attend a grant-seekers workshop to receive assistance and guidance with their initial grant application. Applications and additional information about the program may be found at www.villageoflombard.org/localtourismgrant.
While the Village of Lombard is accepting proposals for 2022 projects, grant funding under the Local Tourism Grant Program is contingent upon the ability to hold the proposed event or program in full compliance with federal, state and local COVID-19 precautions and requirements at the time of the event.
The money used to fund the grants is generated by overnight stays in Lombard hotels through the hotel/motel sales tax, not general fund tax revenues. Hotel/motel tax expenditures are restricted to promotion of tourism and overnight stays.
For more information on the grant program or to schedule a grant-seekers workshop, contact Assistant Village Manager Nicole Aranas at aranasn@villageoflombard.org.