2008 News

September 12, 2008

Bucks County Commissioners, Conference and Visitors Bureau Encourage Non-Profit Tourism Grant Applications

The Bucks County Commissioners, in cooperation with the Board of Directors of the Bucks County Conference and Visitors Bureau (BCCVB), are seeking applicants for the BCCVB Tourism Grant Program.

The mission of the Tourism Grant Program “shall be the development and enhancement of the not-for-profit tourism product in Bucks County through the operation of a tourism grant program.” The program was created through a resolution passed by the BCCVB Board of Directors on March 13, 2008. That resolution subsequently was approved by the Bucks County Commissioners at their April 16 meeting, becoming effective on May 1 of this year.

As defined by the resolution, the BCCVB will make contributions to the Grant Program from a portion of the Bucks County lodging tax. Tax deductible contributions may also be made by individuals and corporations. The program will look to fund eligible participants in capital projects related to tourism promotion, marketing, historic preservation and enhancement of attractions and the staging of special events designed to attract visitors to the county.

Commissioner Charles H. Martin feels that the plan is an excellent idea. “This grant program will enable a portion of the money to be used to benefit those non-profit, tourism-related organizations that enhance the uniqueness and charm of Bucks County.”

“The Conference and Visitors Bureau overwhelmingly approved the Grant Program to be awarded to organizations to be used for their marketing programs, capital projects or hosting special events which bring tourists to Bucks County,” noted Jerry Lepping, the executive director of the BCCVB. “The board recognized the beauty of the plan lay with the ability to help develop tourism while benefiting both large museums and smaller organizations such as ‘Friends of the Delaware Canal,” future non-profit bed and breakfast associations and a Bucks County Wine Trail, to name just a few.”

There are three categories in which grants are awarded: Special Events, Capital Projects and Marketing Events. For complete program guidelines and to apply, please visit the Conference and Visitors Bureau Web site, www.visitbuckscounty.org, and access “Grant Information” on the homepage.