Grant Application – 2026 - Visit Mt St Helens
2026 Small Grant
Grant Information
The Tourism Small Grants have been awarded for this year!
Cowlitz County Tourism small grant application is now being accepted from qualifying entities organizing tourism-based activities, tourism promotion, and hospitality projects aimed at increasing and/or supporting the tourism industry within Cowlitz County. Grant funding is provided to increase and/or support tourism activity within Cowlitz County.
Small Tourism Grant 2026 |
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|---|---|
| Eligible Grant Entities | 501(c)3 and (c)6 organizations, City, County, or other government agencies |
| Eligible Projects | Festivals and events that bring in attendees from 50+ miles |
| Eligible Expenditures | Multi Media (Print, digital, TV, radio, etc), Design and printing of posters, flyers, and brochures, Online advertising, Permanent signage and banners |
| Ineligible Expenditures | General administrative costs such as salaries, wages & benefits, Capital and general organizational operating costs, Items for resale, Advertising that cannot be proven to reach significant relative markets outside 50 miles from the festival/event project location |
| Total Available Expenditures | $50,000 |
| Evaluation Criteria | Complete application including valid Tax ID, Application received by deadline, Generates overnight stays and commerce from visitors outside Cowlitz County, Draws a significant number of visitors from 50+ miles outside Cowlitz County, Provides breakdown of advertising/marketing campaign, Leverages other funding sources, Service or project must be covered by insurance, Overall economic and socially redeeming benefit, Provides measurable outcome performance indicators |
| Application Submission Timeline | August 26 – November 5, 2025 Applications must be received by email or dropped off at: Cowlitz County Event Center 1900 7th Avenue, Longview, WA 98632 Deadline: November 5, 2025 by 4:30 pm |
| LTAC Review & Funding Approval | The Cowlitz County Lodging Tax Advisory Committee application review will take place on December 11th 2025 at 10:00 am. |
Frequently Asked Questions
1CAN WE APPLY FOR FUNDING FOR MORE THAN ONE EVENT?
Yes. Applications may be submitted for more than one event. Applicants should not make multiple requests for the same event or project. Each application must be for a unique event or project.
2ARE GRANTS ONLY FOR NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS?
No, both Government Agencies and Non-Profit agencies may apply
3WHAT CAN THE GRANT FUNDS BE USED FOR?
Grant funds will be allocated for new or existing events that bring people to Cowlitz County from outside a 50-mile radius and attract hotel stays. Allowed expenses can include marketing and promotion of the event.
4DO WE GIVE BONUS POINTS FOR ANYTHING?
Yes, we give extra points for:
• Innovative events that represent an unusual approach or moves the County’s
Tourism program in a useful new direction
• Events that occur outside of our peak season of May 15th to September 15th
• Family friendly events
5HOW LONG ARE MY GRANT FUNDS AVAILABLE?
The event or project must take place within the calendar year of 2025.
6WHAT IF I DON’T USE THE ENTIRE AMOUNT I AM AWARDED?
This is a reimbursement grant. You will be reimbursed for applicable expenses, with documentation, up to the awarded amount. Any unused funds will remain with the County and will roll over to the next year.