Leon County Tourism Grant Program
NEW COVID-19 UPDATES FOR FY2021 GRANT CYCLE
In its ongoing efforts to promote safe visitation to the area, the Leon County Division of Tourism grant program will financially assist events that support the local economy and implement CDC guidelines in accordance with Leon County’s Response and Reopening Plan.
Per the annual nature of this grant cycle, applications are in anticipation of better future conditions that would allow these events to occur. New to the grants program this year, the event must comply with allowable crowd size and public gathering regulations as outlined by state and local government and implement social distancing and hygiene practices consistent with CDC guidance. The applicant must also provide information on how the event will address safety and public health for all event staff, vendors and attendees.
REVIEW NEW Guidelines > 2021 APPLICATION PROCESS IS NOW CLOSED >
GRANTS
GRANT IMPLEMENTATION WORKSHOP
You should have received your FY21 Leon County Tourism/Visit Tallahassee Grant Funding Agreement via email earlier this week. The Funding Agreement must be returned via email by November 20, 2020. Instructions on how to complete the agreement are contained in the email that accompanied it.
Please watch this video recorded on Monday, November 9 that addresses grant agreement questions and facilitates contract execution
The workshop includes:
- An overview of the grant process from award phase to reimbursement
- Grant Funding Agreement Execution
- Organization Vendor Registration Requirements with State of Florida and Leon County
- Direct Deposit
- Post-Event Reporting Process
For more information contact Terri Messler at (850) 606-2331 or Terri.Messler@VisitTallahassee.com.
NEW GRANT APPLICATION GUIDELINES
The Leon County Division of Tourism (Visit Tallahassee) annually funds groups and organizations that coordinate events with a history of (or significant potential for) attracting visitors to the area who stay overnight in commercial lodging.
The Leon County Tourism Grant Program is administered by the Leon County Tourist Development Council and designated advisory groups including the TDC Grant Review Committee and the Tallahassee Sports Council.
In its ongoing efforts to promote safe visitation to the area, the Leon County Division of Tourism grant application cycle for 2020-2021 Signature/Emerging Signature, Special and Sports Events Grants is now CLOSED. Grants will financially assist events that support the local economy and implement CDC guidelines in accordance with Leon County’s Response and Reopening Plan.
Per the annual nature of this grant cycle, applications are opening now in anticipation of better conditions that would allow these events to occur. New to the grants program this year, the event must comply with allowable crowd size and public gathering regulations as outlined by state and local government and implement social distancing and hygiene practices consistent with CDC guidance. The applicant must also provide information on how the event will address safety and public health for all event staff, vendors and attendees.
The Leon County Tourist Development Council (TDC) Grant Review Committee reviews and evaluates applications and submits recommendations to the full TDC for approval.
For more information on grant funding please contact Terri Messler at (850) 606-2331 or Terri.Messler@VisitTallahassee.com.
DOWNLOAD GUIDELINES
Sports Event Grant Guidelines (PDF)
Special Events Grant Guidelines (PDF)
Signature Events Grant Guidelines (PDF)

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FORMS & RESOURCES
Please use these helpful resources in order to make your grant application process go smoothly.
- Grant Checklist (PDF)
- Event Marketing/Promotional Tool Kit (PDF)
- Scoring and Funding Guidelines (PDF)
- Sample Event Budget Form (PDF)
- Sample Marketing Budget Form (PDF)
- Visitor Tracking Form (PDF)
- Visitor Tracking Survey (PDF)
- Substitute W9 Form (PDF)
- New Vendor Form (Word DOC)
- Visit Tallahassee Logos for Grant Applicants
Please download and review the current Leon County COVID-19 Response & Re-Opening Plan Updated 6/24/20
All applicants are encouraged to review the CDC’s recommended considerations for Events and Gathering regarding COVID-19. READ MORE
For additional assistance or questions regarding grants, contact Terri Messler or (850) 606-2331.
GRANT IMPLEMENTATION WORKSHOP
You should have received your FY21 Leon County Tourism/Visit Tallahassee Grant Funding Agreement via email earlier this week. The Funding Agreement must be returned via email by November 20, 2020. Instructions on how to complete the agreement are contained in the email that accompanied it.
Please watch this video recorded on Monday, November 9 that addresses grant agreement questions and facilitates contract execution
The workshop includes:
- An overview of the grant process from award phase to reimbursement
- Grant Funding Agreement Execution
- Organization Vendor Registration Requirements with State of Florida and Leon County
- Direct Deposit
- Post-Event Reporting Process
VIRTUAL WORKSHOPS
In order to be considered for funding, all applicants are required to attend one Grant Application Workshop, which will be held virtually via ZOOM. These workshops are critical to learn more about Visit Tallahassee grant funding and the application process.
The workshop includes:
- An overview of the new fully digital grant management platform
- 2020-2021 funding available and event funding levels
- New and expanded application components
- Review process and scoring criteria
Download the 2021 Grant Application Presentation
Watch a Recording of the Workshop Here:
SCHEDULE
MONDAY, JULY 27
Grants OpenTUESDAY, AUGUST 25
Grants CloseWORKSHOPS
Thursday, July 30 at 3:00 pmTuesday, Aug. 11 at 3:00 pm
Tuesday, Aug. 18 at 10:00 am
CONTACT
TERRI MESSLER
Visitor Services Director & Grants Coordinator(850) 606-2331
Terri.Messler@VisitTallahassee.com