The mission of the Chester County Conference and Visitors Bureau Foundation shall be the development and enhancement of the not for profit tourism product in Chester County through the operation of the grant program. The Foundation shall make grant funding available to applicants consistent with the grant guidelines of the Foundation. The aim of the grant program is to aid historic preservation, the expansion and improvement of future and existing tourism attractions, supporting events in Chester County aimed at attracting visitors, and funding marketing expenditures associated with the above.
The creation and implementation of educational events important to the Bureau, designed to assist Bureau members and shareholders on current trends and best practices in the tourism industry, to maximize their well being.
Educational programs to the public about Chester County, including the creation, expansion, or diversification of one or more Visitors Centers within the county.
Foundation Funding
The Chester County Conference and Visitors Bureau contributes half of the collected hotel occupancy tax to the Foundation; this is the major source of funding for the Foundation’s grant program. Tax - deductible contributions are also made by individuals and corporations.
The Grant Committee on Projects
The Grant Program committee will be interested in funding projects that enhance the impact of the tourism industry in our county, particularly providing support to our non-profit attractions and organizations hosting bona fide annual events.
Eligible Recipients:
1. Non-profit organizations within Chester County that are members of the Chester County Conference and Visitors Bureau.
2. Chester County Municipalities.
The Grant Process
A letter of intent is required before a grant application can be submitted. The letter should be approximately one to two typewritten pages describing the organization, the program for which funding is requested, the total budget, the portion of the budget for which Foundation funds are being requested, and other funding sources committed to the project including matching funds. The letters are to be sent both via email and a hard copy. Deadline for submission for the letter of intent is October 1 each year*. Receipt of your letter will be acknowledged. If the grant committee finds the request appropriate and within the scope of our mission, an invitation to submit an application will follow in approximately two weeks of receipt.
If your organization is approved to submit a grant, the completed grant applications must be in the Chester County Conference and Visitors Bureau offices by 4:00 pm November 1 *. Funding recommendations are made at the November meeting of the grant committee. Applicants will be notified as to the status of their proposals by the end of December.
*Please note that if October 1 or November 1 fall on a weekend the following Monday will serve as the deadline date.
Grants are generally paid after completion of the project and all proper documentation has been completed and approved; documentation is due no later than December 31 of the year the grant is awarded. Grants of $3000 or less
may be released upon grant award.
See full guidelines and application below: