Skykomish & Snohomish River Valleys
Hotel-Motel Small Fund
The Hotel-Motel Small Fund Grant Round for 2025 Projects will open from June 19, 2024 through August 28, 2024.
Please submit all completed 2025 Hotel-Motel Grant Applications along with required attachments to Tourism@snoco.org by 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, August 28, 2024.
DOWNLOAD THE 2025 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:
- 2025 Hotel-Motel Grant Application Package / Organization Name
- 2025 Letters of Reference / Organization Name
- 2025 Marketing Plan / Organization Name (if applicable)
- 2025 Project Budget / Organization Name (if applicable)
- W9 / Organization Name
If you have any questions, please reach out to Trudy Soriano at Trudy.Soriano@snoco.org.
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!)
![](https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/product-school-nOvIa_x_tfo-unsplash.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=8ea644b7dc8ecf561ead9a4b9182ef16 320w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/product-school-nOvIa_x_tfo-unsplash.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=55f783b7c2d539c7117aa8d3a2cda1fc 540w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/product-school-nOvIa_x_tfo-unsplash.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=490bd26c6bb69c0192f51127e78e7455 768w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/product-school-nOvIa_x_tfo-unsplash.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=6f47c4769a1574d834947323dbfcb50c 1024w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/product-school-nOvIa_x_tfo-unsplash.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=b686b2db9ddbc1627eadd6305bdf37e1 1200w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/product-school-nOvIa_x_tfo-unsplash.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=78e24f2cb75928edb9f098ddf789592f 1440w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/product-school-nOvIa_x_tfo-unsplash.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=f1efe6c78a453761dac4eba912743850 1920w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/product-school-nOvIa_x_tfo-unsplash.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=41ef1b39b9004ded49f2865b807b219f 2560w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/product-school-nOvIa_x_tfo-unsplash.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=3840&s=abce01c1c75427463d97dccb11445fa0 3840w)
IMPORTANT GRANT CYCLE DATES
RESOURCES AND RELATED DOCUMENTS
Helpful reports, plans, and resources to strengthen and inform grant project proposals:
- Seattle NorthCountry Brand Reveal – About the destination brand and what it is designed to do
- Seattle NorthCountry's Digital Asset Management (DAM) platform - Access and download regional logos, photos, and videos for marketing and branding projects
![](https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/aranxa-esteve-pOXHU0UEDcg-unsplash.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=58e36d8c098c1695a9811d33712d322b 320w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/aranxa-esteve-pOXHU0UEDcg-unsplash.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=c281785947cf95f74e03fc861053fcc4 540w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/aranxa-esteve-pOXHU0UEDcg-unsplash.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=db67b2ddb48802fbe1bb8cc44f27513a 768w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/aranxa-esteve-pOXHU0UEDcg-unsplash.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=52ca8f3a5fd5e166c39d2420da18e57b 1024w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/aranxa-esteve-pOXHU0UEDcg-unsplash.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=3cea5ef36698b679eb20b91233a13001 1200w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/aranxa-esteve-pOXHU0UEDcg-unsplash.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=227264c73e118e4b647ac08a89cf76fc 1440w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/aranxa-esteve-pOXHU0UEDcg-unsplash.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=963e58b37dad3a9f485d7f467580173b 1920w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/aranxa-esteve-pOXHU0UEDcg-unsplash.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=019300f32a4e394d38e6975121fca4bf 2560w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/aranxa-esteve-pOXHU0UEDcg-unsplash.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=3840&s=dddb26a1058663cce943958ec8d3e315 2740w)
COMPETITIVE GRADING CRITERIA
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%)
- Is the project a good fit for Hotel-Motel Grant funding?
- Does the project support 2024-2027 Snohomish County Strategic Tourism Plan?
Marketing (25%)
- Does the project marketing plan explain how it will efficiently reach audiences outside of Snohomish County, specifically audiences outside of the 50+ mile radius?
- Does the project prioritize digital marketing over print marketing?
Overnight Stays (30%)
- Is the project likely to attract overnight stays?
- Does the project quantify the anticipated stays and offer a credible method for corroborating the projections?
- If the project doesn’t directly result in overnights, does the project quantify how it supports visitation to Snohomish County and/or encourage future overnight stays?
Economic Impact (20%)
- Does the project provide significant economic impact?
- Does the project provide a tangible return on investment for Hotel-Motel funds?
- Does the project tie into the Snohomish County Climate Economy Initiative?
Cooperative Commitments (10%)
- What degree of support does the proposed project demonstrate from other sources and/or partners?
- If applicable, has the project sponsor applied to, and/or received financial or in-kind support from its own, or other municipal Lodging Tax Grant Funds?
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?
Does the project prioritize sustainable practices or offer visitor sustainable travel options?
![](https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/hivan-arvizu-soyhivan-MAnhvw0nDDY-unsplash.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=441393f9288a50b199e5c8e7165dafd8 320w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/hivan-arvizu-soyhivan-MAnhvw0nDDY-unsplash.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=7374ced9a5aa2c399a14f77c57ec137b 540w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/hivan-arvizu-soyhivan-MAnhvw0nDDY-unsplash.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=0630d97e4362ce49df298f5c975f6279 768w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/hivan-arvizu-soyhivan-MAnhvw0nDDY-unsplash.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=062ed07bb0c049458c3011426fd73860 1024w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/hivan-arvizu-soyhivan-MAnhvw0nDDY-unsplash.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=ea64ea4bd0cda3ff6e4c449f448bafa9 1200w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/hivan-arvizu-soyhivan-MAnhvw0nDDY-unsplash.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=f58bda5c92441db1770e329224f93759 1440w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/hivan-arvizu-soyhivan-MAnhvw0nDDY-unsplash.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=523cfc206e9be85f20928c55aa261c2d 1920w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/hivan-arvizu-soyhivan-MAnhvw0nDDY-unsplash.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=049826ac2198d491f0b628ebb1832d33 2560w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/hivan-arvizu-soyhivan-MAnhvw0nDDY-unsplash.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=3840&s=cb12f2c1096e42254d4c99f13fbf52f7 3840w)
WHICH ITEMS CAN BE REIMBURSED THROUGH THE SNOHOMISH COUNTY HOTEL-MOTEL GRANT?
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 2024 national average of $33.49 per hour |
Outreach & Communications | Alcohol | Donated Items |
Transportation |
![](https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/nicholas-green-nPz8akkUmDI-unsplash-1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=f1d61abec3065bf879402c0b6c2824cc 320w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/nicholas-green-nPz8akkUmDI-unsplash-1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=665b3df488a5e3b0fcf49077df2519eb 540w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/nicholas-green-nPz8akkUmDI-unsplash-1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=38b7c577874f84a782f9cc84854ff6ee 768w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/nicholas-green-nPz8akkUmDI-unsplash-1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=dd9f8e0be4c7b463006deb786f2d96f2 1024w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/nicholas-green-nPz8akkUmDI-unsplash-1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=e60a8a251ee9293ef4d33efd1b6e1dfb 1200w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/nicholas-green-nPz8akkUmDI-unsplash-1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=86ba8d99aa3882b92e43e5c5bc070ebf 1440w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/nicholas-green-nPz8akkUmDI-unsplash-1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=b733da5505453fb3bc9e457d1a81c4d2 1920w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/nicholas-green-nPz8akkUmDI-unsplash-1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=5b86b4e276a9afec35360b3aa8b0a881 2560w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/nicholas-green-nPz8akkUmDI-unsplash-1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=3840&s=d39373b8b8bf64d0917bed2de1701c09 3840w)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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, Trudy.Soriano@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:
- Applicants must be either a public or non-profit entity with the demonstrated capacity to accomplish the proposed projects.
- All projects must fall under one of the following categories outlined in RCW 67.28.1816:
☐ 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
- All projects must take place during the 2025 calendar year and be completed by December 15, 2025.
- Applicants must demonstrate the ability to provide a qualifying 25% match of the total project cost. Qualifying matches include cash contributions, in-kind services, or combinations of both. This includes personnel costs (wages, benefits, etc.).
When will I know if my project has received grant funding?
- In mid to late September of the application year, the LTAC will review all Hotel-Motel Grant applications for following year's funding and make recommendations on funding levels for each project.
- In October of the application year, LTAC recommendations will be presented to Snohomish County Council for final review and approval.
- After the Snohomish County Council gives final approval of projects and spending plans, county staff will notify the project sponsor of the approval, and aid with next steps. We anticipate these notifications will go out in late October, early November of the application year.
- Prior to the end of the application year, county staff will work with the project sponsor to develop a governing contract for the approved project budget that shall include a defined scope of work, project deliverables, execution timeline, and expenditures that are eligible for reimbursement.
- In the grant calendar year, the county and project sponsor will sign the governing contract.
If awarded funding, what are my next steps?
- At the start of the grant cycle calendar year, each applicant must enter a Municipal Services Contract with Snohomish County.
- The applicant is required to provide liability insurance for the duration of the contract naming Snohomish County as additional insured and, in an amount, determined by the County.
- The applicant is required to provide an up-to-date W9.
The project sponsor must receive a Notice to Proceed from Snohomish County before incurring any project expenses eligible for reimbursement.
- Once the grant project is completed, Snohomish County will reimburse those costs incurred and paid for by the applicant. A Request for Reimbursement form, copies of invoices, and proof of payment documentation must be submitted to Snohomish County prior to reimbursement.
- Each applicant will also be required to submit a Final Report documenting economic impact results in a format determined by the County.
How will I receive Hotel-Motel Grant dollars?
- The Snohomish County Hotel-Motel Grant is a reimbursement-based grant.
- Once the grant project is completed, Snohomish County will reimburse those costs incurred and paid for by the applicant.
- A Request for Reimbursement form, copies of invoices, and proof of payment documentation must be submitted to Snohomish County prior to reimbursement.
![](https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/Slideshow-Images/Mukilteo-Ferry_adjusted_72dpi.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=320&q=80&w=320&s=a1703eded3a11406c9a278497d88a40e 320w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/Slideshow-Images/Mukilteo-Ferry_adjusted_72dpi.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=540&q=80&w=540&s=b73423ca1852d2260f0a21547daba490 540w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/Slideshow-Images/Mukilteo-Ferry_adjusted_72dpi.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=768&q=80&w=768&s=640fc6e513d7b65babde2f7ec3c8750a 768w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/Slideshow-Images/Mukilteo-Ferry_adjusted_72dpi.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1024&q=80&w=1024&s=f44ef5270e5ed4901fb6cf290815a5cb 1024w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/Slideshow-Images/Mukilteo-Ferry_adjusted_72dpi.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1200&q=80&w=1200&s=feaba70d96428640ea530889d1e9a0f8 1200w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/Slideshow-Images/Mukilteo-Ferry_adjusted_72dpi.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1440&q=80&w=1440&s=7b238c147dc4fda9f0d422c09b74c166 1247w)
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![](https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/Washington_credit-SeattleNorthCountry_Mountain-Loop_Big-Four-Mountain_Sauk-River_1920x1080.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=320&q=80&w=320&s=61fe1821e76d5b3225b3ec0e2aeb64cd 320w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/Washington_credit-SeattleNorthCountry_Mountain-Loop_Big-Four-Mountain_Sauk-River_1920x1080.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=540&q=80&w=540&s=7c572e08e413c2b055a3546519213edf 540w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/Washington_credit-SeattleNorthCountry_Mountain-Loop_Big-Four-Mountain_Sauk-River_1920x1080.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=768&q=80&w=768&s=96ff1873f85db2561c06973009bcb7da 768w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/Washington_credit-SeattleNorthCountry_Mountain-Loop_Big-Four-Mountain_Sauk-River_1920x1080.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1024&q=80&w=1024&s=d883471f1c1f858e081ea0936709222a 1024w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/Washington_credit-SeattleNorthCountry_Mountain-Loop_Big-Four-Mountain_Sauk-River_1920x1080.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1200&q=80&w=1200&s=8ba3d34f339793ac293e507646673f50 1200w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/Washington_credit-SeattleNorthCountry_Mountain-Loop_Big-Four-Mountain_Sauk-River_1920x1080.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1440&q=80&w=1440&s=869a7cd1928213b396ebc5a0b9286d64 1230w)
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