Visit Tallahassee Seeks Applicants for Sports Grants

The Leon County Division of Tourism is seeking applicants to take advantage of their Sporting Events Grant Program.  Local sports clubs and organizations need to apply for the grant by February 17, 2020 to be considered for the award.

To qualify, the organization’s sporting event should take place during the months of March through late September 2020. The grant helps provide funds for marketing efforts and venue and rental costs. Information and the application for the grant can be found on at www.VisitTallahassee.com

The amount of the grants can reach $15,000 depending on the economic impact of the event. If the requested grant amount exceeds $10,000, the applicant’s budget must reflect at least a 25% dollar-for-dollar match (in-kind services will not be allowed).

Also, applicants will be required to identify the amount of matching funds in the event budget submitted and the amount must be verified and sourced in a post event report.

The Leon County Tourist Development Council, who administers the funding, offers the Sporting Events Grant each year in an effort to promote tourism in Tallahassee. The purpose of the grant is to assist smaller sports clubs or other organizations and to coordinate large events. This is a continuing effort to make Tallahassee a sporting event destination and to generate business for the local hospitality industry.

In recent years, the grants have been awarded to the Gulf Winds Track Club for the Tallahassee Marathon. The Tallahassee Marathon brings in hundreds of participants, in part, because the race is sanctioned and the course is certified by the USA Track and Field. In addition, the race is a qualification for the Boston Marathon. This year’s marathon will be run on February 2, 2020.

Another group which was been awarded a grant is the Florida Disabled Outdoors Association, for the SportsAblility event. This event provides sports and outdoor activities to those who may otherwise not have the ability or opportunities to enjoy such activities as horseback trail rides, golf, and sailing.