Destination Development Funding Application

(Also a “study” for UCA 17-50-303)

The mission of the Washington County Tourism Tax Advisory Board (“Tourism TAB”) is to make recommendations on the expenditure of funds collected from the Transient Room Tax (“TRT”) (as described in Utah Code Section 59-12-301) and the Tourism, Recreation, Cultural, Convention, and Airport Facilities Tax (“TRCC”) (as described in Utah Code Section 59-12-603).

Washington County created a Destination Development funding program to help secure and support tourism and/or recreation projects that enhance the visitor experience, infuse economic impact, and enrich the quality of life for residents.

Due Dates

The Tourism TAB receives and reviews destination development applications from governmental entities twice a year – no later than January 15th and no later than July 15th.

The Tourism TAB also receives applications for the following types of funding: Sports & Event Funding, Marketing Support and Sponsorships. TRT funds will be granted to events and marketing projects that directly generate hotel room nights or have another articulable positive tourism or economic impact in Washington County.

Destination Development Funding

The mission of the Greater Zion Convention & Tourism Office is to maximize the revenue generated by visitors to create a superior experience for visitors and residents. The purpose of the Destination Development Grant Program is to empower Washington County communities to become viable, welcoming, and high-quality destinations for tourism. Destination Development Project Funding is intended for projects that will result in positive impact on tourism and align with the strategic plan of Washington County and the mission of the tourism office such as: upgrading tourism facilities, venues, trails, or recreation infrastructure projects.

Preference will be given to projects that accomplish the following:

1. Completed project is available for public use
2. Creates new economic impact
3. Fills a critical recreation or tourism-related need
4. Project is cost effective
5. Project is designed to meet current and future needs

*Preference will be given to entities that have not received tourism funds for projects in the past 2 years.

Eligible Entities

Eligible entities include government entities within Washington County, Utah. Joint applications between two or more eligible entities are accepted and encouraged. In the case of joint application, each eligible entity must comply with and meet the application requirements.

Funding Guidelines

Eligible applications will demonstrate in detail a 50% cash match toward the project. Applicants may not count the use of in-kind funds (including labor or staff time) as part of the match.

In the case of joint applications, applicants shall submit a memorandum of understanding (MOU) concerning the application in which the portion of the cash match for which each entity is responsible is clearly identified. The MOU shall be signed by an authorized representative for each eligible entity.

TRT and TRCC funds may only be appropriated in furtherance of tourism or related activities or projects. The county may only appropriate money if, in the judgment of the county legislative body, the funding will contribute to the safety, health, prosperity, moral well-being, peace, order, comfort, or convenience of county residents.

Application Procedures

• Complete the attached application.
• Ineligible applications will not be accepted, applicant will be notified of the ineligibility.
• Incomplete applications will be rejected.
• Present the request to the Tourism TAB and/or to the Washington County Commission during a regular meeting if requested.
• Applicants must provide a final report following the project’s completion. Failure to provide a final report may result in funds not being awarded and/or a denial in future years.
• In the event the project for which funds were requested does not materialize, funds will not be dispersed. If funds have already been dispersed, funds will need to be reimbursed in full.
• Awards will be granted from eligible applicants according to available program funding and capacity.

*PLEASE NOTE: There is no guarantee that any/all applicants will be awarded funds.

Application Requirements

Applicant must submit the following:

• Completed Application (including ALL attachments)
• Proof of Non-Profit Status (if applicable)
• Signed MOU demonstrating cash match from all entities involved
• Budget Overview
• Operations Plan demonstrating financial, staffing and management plan
• Marketing Plan

Requests may be submitted in person, by return e-mail, or by mail to:

111 E Tabernacle Street
St. George, UT 84790

Leslie Fonger, Destination Development Manager
(435) 301-7407
Leslie@GreaterZion.com 

How to Submit Your Application

Mail or In-Person

• Click the button below to download the application.
• You can type directly on the PDF, then save the file to your computer and print it out. Additionally, you can print it and fill it out by hand.
• Whether you mail or deliver the application in-person, you will need to include the accompanying documentation as outlined above.

Upload Your Application

• Click the button below to download the application. You can type directly on the PDF.
• Once complete, save the file to your computer.
• Click the Upload Application button below. You will also be asked to upload accompanying documentation as outlined above.