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Tourism Asset Development Grant

Overview

The Fitchburg Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) allocates a percentage of its room tax revenue, to be reviewed annually by the Fitchburg CVB Board of Directors for the development, continuance or expansion of visitor attractions and amenities through a TOURISM ASSET DEVELOPMENT FUND.

General Funding Considerations

The Fitchburg CVB accepts grant applications for costs related to the tourism development of Fitchburg visitor attractions and amenities, in accordance with the Wisconsin State Statute 66.0615.

Applicable Projects

Projects that could be funded under this program include the items below:

Capital Projects
a. New capital construction projects
b. Upgrades, enhancements, expansions to existing facilities
c. Permanent exhibit installations

Criteria

When considering an application to the Fitchburg Tourism Development Fund, the Grants Committee ranks applications on the following criteria:

Tourism Impact Criteria

  • Is this project consistent with the Fitchburg CVB priorities and objectives or does it support the area brand
  • Will it serve a substantial number of overnight visitors? Will it generate hotel room nights? How many?
  • Is the project interactive? Is it unique? What type of experience does it provide for the visitor?
  • Is this a new visitor attraction, or is it a substantial expansion of an existing attraction?
  • Is it open to the public?
  • Is it open year-round or at least 180 days a year?
  • Will it be available after 6 p.m. or on Sundays?
  • Will it provide a positive economic impact on the community?
  • Will it contribute to our ability to attract visitors and improve overall tourism assets in the Fitchburg Area?
  • Will this project be covered by media, and/or will the Fitchburg CVB be publicly recognized for participation or support?

Operational Criteria

  • Does the organization have not-for-profit status or is it a government entity?
  • Is this a “bricks and mortar” project?
  • Is the project the result of a planning process that has had public involvement? Do others in the community understand and support the project?
  • Have the other funds necessary to the project already been raised, or are there well-developed plans for raising them?
  • Is there a solid plan to fund the project, ongoing operating costs and maintenance?
  • Are there established marketing plans?
  • Is there an established management/staffing structure for the project?
Grant Eligibility

To be eligible, applicants must be a recognized 501.c3 not-for-profit or a unit of government. Private entites maybe considered if other tourism criteria can be met. Projects must also be located within the City of Fitchburg.

The Fitchburg CVB's Tourism Development Fund gives grants for the development of visitor attractions and amenities.
The grant will NOT support any of the following purposes:

  • Feasibility studies
  • Operating expenses
  • Annual fund drives
  • Endowment funds
  • Reimbursement for previously incurred expenses
  • Marketing or research
  • Travel
  • Expenses typically considered to be overhead
  • Festivals and Events
Funds Available
  • The Fitchburg CVB’s Tourism Development Grant will not be more than 25% of the total project cost. This grant will typcially be the final funding (last money in) for a project.
  • Project cash match can come from the operating budget, or may be secured from other grants, donors, sponsors, or other sources.
  • Grant funds may not be spent on local marketing or for operational costs that would be incurred even without the project.
Payment of Grants
  • New and upgraded capital projects and permanent exhibit grants will be paid upon documented completion of the project or per a specific payment schedule outlined in the grant application.
  • Tourism Development Grants must supplement, not replace, existing state, federal and local financial commitments.
Application Deadlines

March 1 | June 1 | September 1 | December 1

Every grant application will be considered on its own merits and it is within the Grant Committee’s authority to approve or deny any grant for any reason, in accordance with the Wisconsin State Statute 66.0615.

Applicable Project Definitions

New Capital Projects
Bricks & Mortar Projects. Funds can be used for:
a. Real estate acquisition
b. Construction
c. Architectural and engineering costs
d. Upgrades, enhancements and/or expansions to existing facilities

Permanent Exhibit Installations
Funds can be used to establish exhibits that may stay for a period of months or years but will continue to be large tourism magnets or have the potential to generate long-term publicity, bringing new visitors into the area. Generally, these exhibits will be unique to the area or showcase something unique about the area.

Exhibitions
Funds can be used for high profile temporary exhibits or events that can draw visitors from outside a 100-mile radius. Exhibits considered for funding under this program will meet the following criteria:

  • Exhibits will be installed in the Fitchburg Area for a period of no less than 12 weeks and preferably 16 weeks or more.
  • They will generally be exhibits that are not available elsewhere in Wisconsin.
  • Exhibits must occur within Fitchburg Wisconsin.
  • Exhibits should be large and exciting enough to attract visitors from at least 100 miles away and have the potential to generate overnight stays in Fitchburg Hotels.
  • Exhibits need to generate media attention in the Fitchburg area and beyond.
  • Exhibits will be hosted by one or more not-for-profit organizations with adequate personnel and resources to: Market the exhibit outside the region, Present the exhibit or event attractively and Ensure a positive visitor experience.
  • Exhibit organizer has formed partnerships with one or more other tourism businesses to provide a larger visitor experience.

Preference will be given to new and unique events or the substantial expansion of existing events.

How to Apply

Step 1: Review the Guidelines
Before starting the application process, review the details and guidelines for the grant .

Step 2: Discuss the Potential Grant Project
Schedule a meeting with Angela Kinderman, to go over the project details and make sure it is a good fit, before moving forward with the application process.

Step 3: Complete Online Grant Application
Please be aware, grants are reviewed quarterly. Deadlines are: March 1, June 1, September 1 & December 1

Step 4: Review Process
All grant applications will be reviewed based on tourism and operational criteria by the Tourism Development Committee. During this process, you may be contacted for more information.

Step 5: Grant Decisions are Made
You will be notified by email if your organization received funding, or if funding has been denied.

Need more help?
Contact our office at (608)288-8284

ONLINE GRANT FORM
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