HVAB Tourism Enhancement Grant Application Overview

Welcome to the HVAB Tourism Enhancement Grant application.
Before you begin, please review the information below. These guidelines are intended to be clear and practical and highlight the most important requirements for applicants. Full program requirements are governed by Pennsylvania Act 18 and HVAB grant agreements.

Purpose of the Grant

HVAB Tourism Enhancement Grants are funded by the Centre County Room Tax and support tourism enhancement and certain capital infrastructure improvement projects that benefit tourism in Centre County.

These grants are intended to improve facilities that support or host tourism activities, enhance the visitor experience, and foster increased visitation. Grants are not intended for operational support.

Priority is given to projects that demonstrate a clear connection to tourism use and measurable benefit to visitors.

Who May Apply

This application is for Tourism Enhancement Grants, which support capital improvement projects that enhance tourism facilities.

Eligible applicants include:

• Cultural, educational, historical, recreational, and special event organizations

Applicants must:

• Be a non-profit organization or a unit of government

• Have a valid Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)

• Own, lease, or have long-term control of the facility where the project will occur

• Be based in or completing a project in Centre County

What the Grant Can and Cannot Fund

Eligible Uses

• Tourism enhancement projects

• Certain capital infrastructure improvements that support or host tourism activities

• Facility improvements that enhance the visitor or attendee experience

Ineligible Uses

• Operational or administrative expenses

• Routine maintenance or repairs

• Marketing or advertising expenses

• Political or religious activities

• Projects not directly tied to tourism use

Matching Requirement

All grants require a minimum 25% match of the requested grant amount.

Allowable match includes:

• Applicant cash

• Sponsorships or donated funds

• Other grant funding

• Donated goods or professional services

Not allowable as match:

• Volunteer hours

• Staff time

All match contributions must be documented.

Award Timing and Use of Funds

• Grants support eligible projects expected to be completed between July 1, 2026 and June 30, 2027.
• Grant funds must be expended within this time period unless an extension is requested and approved.
• Grant funds are disbursed based on timing of eligible expenditures.
• Any unspent funds as of June 30, 2027 will be forfeited unless an extension has been requested and granted.

Reporting and Compliance

Grant recipients must:

• Submit a final report within 90 days of project completion

• Use HVAB’s designated final report process

• Upload required financial and project documentation

• Maintain records for at least three years

Any changes to the approved project scope must receive prior HVAB approval.

Important Notes

• Submission of an application does not guarantee funding

• Prior-year final reports must be completed before new awards are considered

• HVAB reserves the right to withhold or limit awards based on available funds

Questions before applying? Email HVABgrantprogram@happyvalley.com.

By continuing with this application, you confirm that you have reviewed and understand these guidelines.