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The Delaware Tourism Office is now accepting applications for the 2008 matching grant and direct grant programs. The purpose of the grant programs is to attract visitors to the state and bring in overnight business to Delaware. Only nonprofit tourism businesses are allowed to submit a grant proposal; however, for-profit businesses are encouraged to participate in partnership programs.
All grant projects must tie into the Delaware Tourism Office’s strategic plan for the tourism industry and target one of the niche markets that have been identified in the plan: outdoor recreation and nature tourism, cultural and heritage tourism, meetings and conventions, sports and special events.
There are two categories of direct grants: collateral creation - maps, brochures, travel guides, website, online marketing; and photography and videography - CDs, DVDs, TV commercials. There are five categories of matching grants: advertising, package creation and partnerships, and collateral creation; tourism infrastructure - signage, welcome centers, transportation services; tourism product development - sports and special event development; new tourism businesses; and enhancing existing tourism product offerings.
The total amount available for the grants is designated by the Delaware General Assembly in the operating budget.
For 2008, $40,000 will be awarded for direct grants, and $160,000 will be awarded for matching grants.
Both matching and direct grant applications are due to the Delaware Tourism Office by Friday, April 25. The awards will be announced by May 23. To obtain a copy of the grant requirements and application visit www.dedo.delaware.gov.
For more information, tourism organizations may contact Kate Kreppein at 302-672-6842 or catherine.kreppein@state.de.us.
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