Beckley-Raleigh County Grant Assistance Program

Beckley-Raleigh County Grant Assistance Program: Supporting Local Events & Boosting Tourism

Administration

The program is administered by the Beckley-Raleigh County Marketing Committee and funded by Visit Southern West Virginia. This grant specifically uses funds from the contractual obligation for Beckley-Raleigh County, not general regional funds.

Program Overview

The program has been significantly enhanced, now offering up to $3,000 per approved event, with $30,000 available annually through multiple application cycles.

Grant Guidelines & Eligibility: 

• Events should demonstrate the ability to attract visitors from outside the local area, generally defined as 50 miles or more from Beckley, WV.
• Grant funds can only be used for expenses incurred from marketing and advertising efforts. Marketing plans must include promotion beyond the local area, targeting audiences at least 50 miles outside Beckley, WV.
• The event must have a positive impact on the local economy and generate hotel/motel room nights, with supporting data required in the application.
• The event must highlight Raleigh County as an events destination and follow event best practices.
• Applicants must be non-profit organizations or qualifying entities hosting public events.
• Applications must be submitted by one of the listed deadlines and at least 60 days before the first date of the event.

Funding Details

• Grant Amount: Applicants may request up to $3,000 per eligible event, to be used exclusively for marketing-related expenses. At least 50% of the grant reimbursement must be used for paid advertising or promotional placement, such as digital ads, print ads, radio, television or other approved media buys. Design and production costs may be eligible when directly tied to an approved marketing campaign.
• Reimbursement Model: This is a reimbursement grant. Funds are provided after the event takes place and approved expenses, receipts and the final report have been submitted and reviewed. Grant funding is not intended to cover the full cost of an event or project.
• Fundable items include, but are not limited to:
  • Advertising: Print, social media, digital (web), radio, television
  • Printing: Flyers, posters, billboards, pre-event signage/banners, direct mail
  • Video: Publicity video to promote the event or attraction
  • Graphic design and/or printing of promotional materials
  • Advertising that targets overnight visitors or promotes overnight stays in the Beckley-Raleigh County area.
  • Promotional materials, such as banners, flags, shirts or other branded items, may be considered only when they are directly tied to the approved marketing plan and used to promote the event to audiences outside the local area.
• Ineligible items include, but are not limited to:
  • Marketing for events that are only promoted to local residents
  • Political campaigns, lobbying efforts or advocacy-related projects
  • General operating or administrative expenses
  • Membership dues or fees for other organizations
  • Salaries, wages, or stipends
  • Honorariums or appearance fees
  • Merchandise or items intended for resale
  • Scholarships, grants, or cash prizes
  • Venue rental costs
  • Solicitation or fundraising materials
  • Building repairs, renovations, or other construction projects
  • Private events, parties, or functions not open to the public
  • Entertainment expenses
  • Food and drink costs

Final Report & Reimbursement Requirements

This is a reimbursement-based grant. Approved applicants must complete their event and submit a final report before grant funds are released.

Final reports are due within 60 days after the event and must include documentation of approved expenses, invoices and proof of payment for marketing, advertising and promotional costs funded by the grant. Applicants will also be asked to report event goals, attendance, estimated visitors from outside Raleigh County, estimated overnight stays and overall tourism impact.

Supporting materials, such as advertising samples, screenshots, printed materials or media coverage, may also be required.

Approved applicants will receive final report instructions after their application has been approved.

Application Process

• Submit the BRC Grant Assistance Program application by one of the listed deadlines.
• Applications must be submitted at least 60 days before the event date.
• Our team will review the application to confirm that all required information has been provided.
• Eligible applications will be reviewed by the grant committee.
• Applicants will be notified of the committee’s decision by email after the review process is complete.

Deadlines

Grant applications are reviewed three times per year. Applications must be submitted by one of the following deadlines:

• December 15
• March 15
• July 15

To be eligible for consideration, applications must also be submitted at least 60 days before the event date.

Applicants should choose the deadline that falls before their event and still allows at least 60 days for review and planning. Applications submitted less than 60 days before the event may not be eligible for funding.

Beckley-Raleigh County Grant Assistance Program Application

Thank you for your interest in the Beckley-Raleigh County Grant Assistance Program! Please complete the application below. You can also download the application and mail or deliver it to our office.

Mail or deliver applications to:
Grant Assistance Program
1408 Harper Rd.
Beckley, WV 25802

Applications must be submitted by one of the listed deadlines and at least 60 days before the first date of the event to be considered. Applicants will be notified by email following the committee’s review of each grant cycle.

For questions, please contact:
Tori Love
304-252-2244
tori@visitwv.com