Marketing Grant

These funds are available on a competitive basis to any visitor attraction, community event, or area (more than one community) event held in Dakota County. This grant is available to entities in the form of marketing grants to non-profit organizations, civic groups or associations. For the first time, for-profit entities hosting new events in Dakota County may be eligible for one-time grant funding. Events must demonstrate strong tourism potential and contribute to the region’s visibility and economic vitality. The grants are not meant to be a part of an annual operating budget for any group, but rather to get a project started, or in the case of an existing event, to promote an addition to an event. After two consecutive years of support for the same project, applicants must wait one year before reapplying for funding for that event. Events may receive up to $750 annually in funding of the same project. *Any request for funding must be submitted on the official application form. *The DCVB will review the applications at their monthly meetings (no meeting in December) to consider grant requests. The Dakota County Visitors Bureau (DCVB) meets on the Thursday of the first full week of each month. *All conditions MUST be met for the applicant to receive funding for their events. *Grants are discretionary. *This grant is on a REIMBURSEMENT basis. You pay your bills and send proof of payment to get reimbursed by the DCVB.

Please include a cover letter detailing your project’s success and its impact on tourism in Dakota County. Be sure to attach an itemized list of marketing expenses directly related to the project. No handwritten receipts • Indicate on invoice how it was paid Check#, ACH, Credit Card (last 4 digits) All advertising must include a credit line: verbally (radio ads) or written: “Funded in part by Dakota County Tourism” Failure to include the credit line will cause your reimbursement to be in jeopardy. ELIGIBLE EXPENSES – CONSIDERED FOR REIMBURSEMENT: -All documents submitted must be clean and readable -Website Development -Event advertising, brochures, posters, etc. -TV or radio commercials -Distribution costs of event/attraction promotion -Mileage (marketing distribution) -Postage Note- Applicants are strongly encouraged to support the local economy by utilizing businesses and services based in Dakota County for their event needs.

Submit Form electronically Electronically: Please send application in a single pdf file to events@southsiouxchamber.org Claims for grant dollars MUST be submitted within 60 days of the end of the project or event, or the funds are forfeited.