Funding Purpose & Overview

Tourism provides a direct economic benefit to the County of Rockland. When the target audience is expanded beyond Rockland residents, the increase in visitor spending contributes to an economic upswing.

The Rockland County Tourism Grant Program assists eligible Rockland-based Nonprofits and For Profit/Nonprofit partners to promote local events and attractions outside of the County. Projects should highlight and emphasize what Rockland has to offer. Promotional projects should celebrate the County in the areas of including but not limited to cultural, arts, historical, nature-based attractions, etc.

The program strongly encourages collaboration with other organizations to requests to maximize the promotional impacts. Demonstrating collaborative efforts will be favorably considered. For-profit companies must partner with a Nonprofit to be eligible for this opportunity.

Submission Information

OPENING DATE: Monday, October 21, 2024 at 9:00AM

CLOSING DATE: Monday, December 2, 2024 at 5:00PM

Applications will NOT be accepted after the closing date.

Submission Requirements

• All funding request application forms MUST be submitted online.
• Applications submitted by U.S. Mail, Priority/Overnight Mail or Hand-Delivery will NOT be accepted.
• Applicants that fail to provide sufficient information will not be considered for this funding opportunity.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Eligibility Information

• Collaboration is highly encouraged. Applications that leverage collaborative opportunities will be given priority.
• Rockland County based Nonprofit Organizations with 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(19) status (excludes institutions of higher education and healthcare facilities).
• For Profit Organizations may apply, however they are required to partner with an eligible Nonprofit Organization.

Award Information

Floor: $5,000

Ceiling: $30,000

• Reimbursement grants, ranging from $5,000 up to $30,000, will be awarded to Nonprofit Organizations or For Profit/Nonprofit partners to promote local events and attractions outside the County of Rockland.
• Organizations are required submit a budget detailing how funds will be used.
• As a reimbursement grant, awarded funds will be distributed AFTER expenses have been incurred. To receive reimbursement for approved eligible expenses, you must provide BOTH of the following for each expense:

1.) An itemized and dated receipt or invoice.

2.)Valid proof of payment (e.g. credit card statement, bank statement, copy of negotiated check, etc.)

Program Guidelines

• All funds must be billed by November 14, 2025. Any funds that are not obligated by invoice or expended will be forfeited.
• In the event your program takes place after November 14, 2025, you must obtain prior approval from the Director of Economic Development and Tourism by October 14, 2025, in order to proceed.
• Applicants MUST use the Rockland County Tourism logo on all promotional materials (i.e., print, digital, etc.) and social media.
• The Rockland County Tourism Logo can be downloaded here: http://rocklandgov.com/media-resources/.
• All materials must be submitted for approval PRIOR to use.
• All projects must be accessible to the public.
• ADA accessible preferred.

If you have additional questions, please email us at explorerocklandny@co.rockland.ny.us.

2025 ROCKLAND COUNTY TOURISM GRANTS PROGRAM

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Must an applicant be a non-profit organization to be eligible?

No. However, for-profit organizations MUST partner with a non-profit organization to be eligible. 

What kind of non-profit organizations are eligible for the program?

Non-profit organizations, with the exception of institutions of higher education and healthcare facilities, are eligible to apply.  

Is an applicant required to have non-profit status for a minimum amount of time to be eligible? No.  

Is there anything different on this year’s application compared with last year? Yes. Please note the following key changes:

• While collaboration has always been encouraged, there is a strong emphasis on collaboration among organizations this year. Applications demonstrating collaborative efforts will be favorably considered.
• Based on feedback from past applicants, “operational” costs are now an allowable expense on the budget. (For more detail on what is considered an “operational” cost, please see below.) 

What is considered an “operational” cost?

As a result of feedback from past applicants, “operational” costs are now permissible line items in your proposed budget. Operational costs include items such as staff time or the use of a consultant or firm, specifically related to promotional activities. For example, staff time or consultant hours to design promotional materials would be a permissible cost. Meeting expenses or time used for event planning are NOT permissible costs. 

Is there a maximum amount of hours or a maximum pay rate that can be included in the proposed budget?

Expenses related to staff or consultant hours and rates will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

What are eligible expenses for this grant?

Grant funds are to be used for the purpose of marketing and promotion of events and attractions, specifically targeting audiences outside of Rockland County. Direct expenses related to advertising, marketing, and promotion are eligible expenses. Some examples of eligible expenses include (but are not limited to): printing of promotional brochures or signage, social media advertising, radio or TV placement, video production, and graphic design services.  

What are ineligible expenses for this grant?

Any activities that are not directly related to advertising, marketing, or promotion are not eligible expenses for this grant. Some examples of ineligible expenses include (but are not limited to): equipment rental for events, staff time for program planning meetings, transportation, and food. 

What is the timeframe covered by this grant? 

This grant is for activities that take place in calendar year 2025. That said, only expenses incurred AFTER the date of the fully executed contract and BEFORE November 15, 2025, will be eligible for reimbursement.

Do collaborative partners need to be identified prior to the submission of the grant application?

Yes. If you indicate in your application that you will be working with partners, you must list your partners in the application.  

Can my organization submit more than one application?

No.

If my organization applies for a grant, can I also be listed as a partner on another organization’s application?

Yes. However, the requests cannot be for the same project. 

Can I see the entire application before I begin filling out the form online? 

In the online portal (the ONLY way applications will be accepted), there is no way to advance to the next page without entering responses on the current page. However, a PDF has been provided for informational purposes only. Applications will only be accepted via the online portal. Click HERE for the PDF. 

Can I save my progress and return to the application later?

Yes. Be sure to select the “SAVE” option at the bottom of the screen before exiting the application.  You will receive an email confirming that your progress has been saved. The email will also contain a link to your application in progress. When you click on the link to return to your application, you will need to log in. 

How do I submit my application?

The application MUST be submitted via the online form ONLY. Applications submitted via mail or email will NOT be accepted. 

When will grant awards be announced?

To be determined. 

ADDITIONAL NOTES

• Please be sure to review all application materials for accuracy prior to submission. Once applications are submitted, changes cannot be made. 
• Upon submission of application, be sure to check that all required insurances are up to date. Not doing so may delay review of or disqualify your application.  
• Questions should be directed to ExploreRocklandNY@co.rockland.ny.us