ITHACA, NY — The Tompkins County Tourism Program has established a new grant to support the development of outdoor recreation. Starting on January 2, 2022, the new Tompkins Outdoors Grant will accept applications from local nonprofit organizations to increase the county’s profile as a destination for outdoor recreation.
Tompkins Outdoors Grants will provide general operating support to organizations that are either responsible for the stewardship of outdoor recreation assets or offer outdoor recreation programming. Funds can be used to advance activities, projects, and staff that build organizational capacity and align with goals in the Strategic Tourism Plan.
“As a Strategic Tourism Planning Board member and outdoor enthusiast, I am thrilled there will be a new source of funding to support outdoor recreation in Tompkins County,” said Finger Lakes Land Trust Senior Director Kelly Makosch. “Our lakes, gorges, and extensive trail system are a major draw for visitors, and it is time we invested in organizations that make these outdoor opportunities more available.”
A total of $50,000 is budgeted for Tompkins Outdoors Grants in 2022. The maximum grant award is $15,000 or 10% of organizational budget (whichever is less).
Pre-applications are due no later than Monday, January 31, 2022. Organizations interested in applying may contact the Tompkins County Tourism Program director to review the pre-application. Guidelines and application instructions for the Tompkins Outdoors Grant program are available online.
Organizations that meet the eligibility criteria in the pre-application will be invited to submit full applications by March 14, 2022. Full applications will be evaluated on four categories: tourism impact, outdoor recreation impact, operating capacity, and administrative capacity.
The Tompkins County Tourism Program annually invests hotel room occupancy tax funds in community-based initiatives that promote economic development and enhance quality of life. Learn more at the Tourism Program website.