Tourism Development Grants Available

Written by: Amanda Quimby Carrier, TMP

This is a tourism development matching grant program that aims to help create and fund special events that will attract visitors to Lincoln Parish. The program is geared toward generating increased travel and overnight visits to the area by assisting with the growth and promotion of the events.

The program consists of two different grants available to event planners. The Event Marketing Funds is available for individuals, groups, and organizations to help fund the promotion of events and festivals that will generate overnight visits. To be considered for this funding, events must target markets beyond the local area and demonstrate the potential to make an economic impact in Ruston and Lincoln Parish.

The program also offers Create & Improve Funds that can be used to improve tourism-related facilities within the parish. The purpose of this grant is to enhance a visitor’s experience through infrastructure renovations, beautification, and/or new construction of these facilities. Applicants for this grant must also be able to demonstrate the impact the facilities improvements will have on the area.

The CVB believes these matching grants will provide necessary assistance to local organizations, bring more tourism dollars to our community as well as create an opportunity for new partnerships between the CVB and the community.

“There are so many good things happening in Lincoln Parish right now. Through this program, we want to make it easier for good things to continue to happen by offering funding that will create greater awareness for special events and help provide a quality experience for visitors,” says CVB President/CEO Travis Napper.

Any individuals or organizations interested in learning more about the grants or seeking to apply can contact Travis Napper at (318) 255-2031. Grant overviews and applications are also available online.

About the Ruston Lincoln Convention & Visitors Bureau

The Ruston Lincoln Convention & Visitors Bureau is a destination marketing organization that works to create, preserve and enhance a variety of quality visitor experiences through the promotion Lincoln Parish. For more information, visit www.experienceruston.com.