Applications for 2022 projects available online

information released by Chelan County

Do you have an idea for a festival or community event that will bring visitors to our area? Or maybe you’re a tourist-related business with a great program that needs a little financial support?

The Chelan County Lodging Tax Advisory Committee is calling for projects that may be suitable for financial support via lodging tax dollars. Applications for 2022 projects are now available on the county website: www.co.chelan.wa.us.

“Even if you’ve never applied for lodging tax dollars in the past, we are encouraging anyone and everyone who promotes tourism in Chelan County to apply,” said Chelan County Commissioner Tiffany Gering, chairwoman of the advisory committee. “This is a new committee with members who are excited to review unique or creative ways to enhance tourism in our area.”

Lodging taxes, sometimes called hotel/motel funds, are taxes levied on lodging businesses, including hotels and short-term rentals. Each year, the advisory committee gives away a portion of the lodging tax dollars collected in the unincorporated areas of Chelan County. This year, a total of $280,000 is available to successful applicants.

Applicants must show that they can increase tourism and convention activity in Chelan County, boost overnight stays or retail sales, and impact the county’s economy. Applicants have until 4 p.m. on Oct. 27 to hand in the online application and required materials.

New this year, the advisory committee asks that applicants also give a 10-minute presentation. All presentations will be done on Nov. 3 before the advisory committee.

“That’s going to be a quick turnaround, with applications due Oct. 27 and the presentations a week later,” Gering said. “We will be scheduling appointments immediately once applications are in. So serious applicants should be prepared to present their projects on Nov. 3.”

The advisory committee shares these tips to help make your application more successful:

  • Don’t miss the deadline. No applications will be accepted after Oct. 27.
  • Because the application is submitted online, it cannot be saved. The committee suggests applicants first read through the application and then gather material and answers before starting it online. Or, save your answers in a Word document and cut and paste into the application.
  • Don’t forget to submit your budget. Your budget must show the use of your organization’s and the county’s matching funds. Funds may not be used for administrative costs.
  • And no need to prepare a presentation or extra materials for the Nov. 3 meeting with the advisory committee. Anything you want the committee to see, make sure it’s with your online application.

For full details, including the application, visit the Lodging Committee website.