New Programs Highlight Franklin County’s Different Approach to Tourism
Franklin County Local Development Corp. (FCLDC) is the county’s Economic Development Organization, and as of 2020, the county’s Destination Management Organization. Tourism is one of the county’s largest industries and FCLDC has set out to do tourism differently, by integrating it more fully into its broader economic development efforts.
The trend tourism promotion agencies are taking during the pandemic has been to become more community-oriented, to think about tourism in the context of other community issues, whether it’s housing, downtown revitalization, or workforce development, and the need for residents to support local businesses. That is what FCLDC does. That is our expertise. So for us, it is a natural fit.
It is also a priority of the Tourism Advisory Committee, the Franklin County Legislature, and FCLDC to leverage occupancy tax revenues and the marketing efforts of tourism-related businesses to better promote Franklin County as a destination.
The Franklin County Local Development Corporation (FCLDC) is pleased to announce the release of three programs that provide funding to tourism-related businesses, organizations, and events:
1. Destination Development & Marketing Program (DDMP)
2. Destination Cooperative Marketing Program (DCMP)
3. Destination Event Sponsorship Program (DESP)
Destination Development and Marketing Program (DDMP)
The DDMP is a competitive program that provides matching grants of up to $5,000 to tourism-related businesses and organizations that seek to create or grow tourism assets and attractions. The deadline for the current round of funding is Monday, November 16th.
Destination Cooperative Marketing Program (DCMP)
The DCMP is designed to offer local tourism-related businesses and organizations financial support to undertake independently developed marketing efforts through a reimbursable 50% matching fund. This program has a quarterly submission deadline, and will be reviewed and awarded quarterly.
Destination Event Sponsorship Program (DESP)
The DESP is designed to offer direct financial sponsorship. Awards will be between: $250 – $1,000 (based on event attendance, impact, and need). This program has a rolling deadline for submission and applications must be received at least 30 days prior to the event.
Information about all three programs, including guidelines, application forms, and submission instructions is available at www.franklinida.org.