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Please submit all completed 2024 Hotel-Motel Grant Applications along with required attachments to Tourism@snoco.org by 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, August 23, 2023.
DOWNLOAD THE 2024 HOTEL-MOTEL GRANT APPLICATION HERE.
No hard copy Application Packages will be accepted at this time.
Title your Completed Application Package and all attachments using the following:
If you have any questions, please reach out to Trudy Soriano at Trudy.Soriano@snoco.org.
A Hotel-Motel Small Fund Grant Workshop will be held on July 21, 2023 to review application requirements, grading criteria, and grant recipient next steps.
For additional application instruction, a review of grading criteria, and grant recipient next steps, please review the grant workshop material:
2022 GRANT WORKSHOP RECORDING (Passcode: hotelmotel23!)
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Wednesday, June 14, 2023 | 2024 Grant cycle opens for applications | |
Friday, July 21, 2023 | Hotel-Motel Grant Applicant Workshop - REGISTER HERE | |
Wednesday, August 23, 2023 | Submit completed 2024 Application Package and submit by midnight (11:59 p.m.) | |
September 2023 | LTAC review and make recommendations | |
October 2023 | LTAC recommendations reviewed and approved by Snohomish County Council | |
November 2023 | Applicants notified of 2024 grant awards | |
Wednesday, January 24, 2024 | Reimbursements for approved expenses begin | |
December 15, 2024 | Grant cycle closes, final project reports due |
Helpful reports, plans, and resources to strengthen and inform grant project proposals:
Priorities of the Hotel-Motel Small Fund Grant are to grow visitation and overnights per Snohomish County Code (SCC) 4.40.060 for projects or purposes authorized under Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 67.28.
The Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) will be score projects based on the following evaluation criteria:
Scope of Work & Budget (15%)
Marketing (25%)
Overnight Stays (30%)
Economic Impact (20%)
Cooperative Commitments (10%)
Innovation (BONUS)
If the applicant has applied in previous years, does the applicant demonstrate how Hotel-Motel funds will be used to adapt or grow the project?
Does the project represent an unusual approach, or move the county Hotel-Motel Small Fund Grant program in an exciting new direction?
Costs Eligible for County Reimbursement | Costs NOT Eligible for County Reimbursement | Costs Eligible for Match Funds |
Project operational costs -i.e. Facility/equipment rentals and catering | Non-project operational/ administrative costs -i.e. Maintenance and repairs | Personnel costs -i.e. Mileage |
Promotion & Marketing -i.e. material design and layout, ad placement, printing, and postage | Personnel costs -i.e. Wages & benefits | Volunteer hours -Estimated using 2023 national average of $31.80 per hour |
Outreach & Communications | Alcohol | Donated Items |
Transportation |
How are Snohomish County Hotel-Motel Grant Funds generated?
Snohomish County Hotel-Motel “Small Fund” Grant dollars are sourced through sales taxes collected on hotel and motel room rentals within county lines, under the guidelines outlined in the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 67.28 and Snohomish County Code (SCC) 4.40. to support projects that promote tourism in Snohomish County.
Who scores and reviews grant applications?
The Snohomish County Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) meets annually in the fall to review, evaluate, and recommend project funding for awards for the Hotel-Motel Small Fund Grant. LTAC recommendations for projects and spending plans are reviewed by the County Council for final approval. Members of the LTAC are appointed to the committee by the County Council.
Who administers Snohomish County Hotel-Motel Grant Funds?
The Snohomish County Executive’s Office administers the Hotel-Motel grant program. County staff will employ every opportunity to inform potential applicants about the funding process and eligibility criteria; provide technical assistance with project proposal preparation; contract development and execution; project monitoring and reporting. Contact Tourism Promotion Coordinator, Simreet.Dhaliwal@snoco.org for more information.
What are the qualifications for applying to the Snohomish County Hotel-Motel Grant?
As defined in the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 67.28 and Snohomish County Code (SCC) 4.40, applicants must meet the following minimum qualifications to apply to the Snohomish County Hotel-Motel Grant:
☐ Tourism Promotion/Marketing
☐ Operation of a Special Event/Festival designed to attract tourists
☐ Operation of a Tourism Promotion Agency
☐ Operation of a Tourism-Related Facility owned or operated by a municipality or public facilities district
☐ Capital Costs of a Tourism-Related Facility owned by a municipality or public facilities district
When will I know if my project has received grant funding?
If awarded funding, what are my next steps?
The project sponsor must receive a Notice to Proceed from Snohomish County before incurring any project expenses eligible for reimbursement.
How will I receive Hotel-Motel Grant dollars?
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