Special Event Grant
Community Tourism Support
The Special Events Grant was established as a way to offer financial support for marketing efforts to emerging groups and events in Kandiyohi County. This falls directly in line with the Convention and Visitors Bureau mission statement “To promote and market the Willmar Lakes Area as a Travel Destination.”
The goal of CVB Special Events funding is to provide marketing funds for start-up events that attract visitors from outside of Kandiyohi County. It is not intended to provide on-going support for annual events. Organizations may apply two times per event in a five-year period. Consideration will be given to repeat events that are significantly expanding their event.
Special Events Grant Funding Guidelines
1) When appropriate or deemed necessary, the CVB Board may request the applicant(s) present additional information about the event in person, providing an opportunity for further evaluation as well as a question & answer segment.
2) Special Events funding is designed to supplement the event budget, ideally providing some additional dollars for marketing that would encourage overnight travel. This funding cannot be used for any purchases of equipment or supplies for your event. It needs to be used solely for marketing of the event. Dollars contributed from the CVB must be matched dollar-for-dollar by funds from the requesting organization making the application. Accordingly, the CVB Board will look at the total event budget and other sources of funding when determining the appropriate level of funding.
3) Notification of the decision to decline or approve a request shall be made in writing to the applicant by the CVB Executive Director.
4) Prior to any CVB funded event, the CVB staff will send a notice to area lodging facilities advising them of the upcoming event and requesting them to work with our office in an attempt to track overnight visitors resulting from the event.
5) Grant funds awarded under the guidelines shall be paid in two installments. The first ½ shall be paid at the time the request is approved. The second ½ shall be paid upon review of the event summary report – as referenced in item #6.
6) Upon completion of an event funded with Special Events dollars, a summary report will be submitted within 45 days outlining specifically how the funds were used, the outcome of the project, and the estimated room nights. Copies of advertising and promotional materials should be including with your summary report. This report shall be kept on file and will be used in the decision-making process should the group again seek Special Events funding.
If you have any questions regarding the Special Events grant funding, please call us the CVB at 320-235-3552.
***Special Events Funding Guidelines have been established as a basis for funding decisions. The CVB Board has full discretion to make funding decisions on a case-by-case basis.
To receive funds we ask:
Requests for funding must be submitted to the CVB Executive Director (see application form below). The application shall outline the scope of the event, budget information, the marketing efforts, the anticipated impact on the lodging facilities, and a dollar amount for the request.
Requests shall be received significantly in advance (90 days is recommended) of the event so as to provide the CVB Board with the time for proper evaluation of the funding request.
In conjunction with a funding award, the CVB shall be promoted by use of our official logo as an event sponsor in the marketing efforts and publications.