HVAB Tourism Marketing Grant Application Overview

Welcome to the HVAB Tourism Marketing 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 Marketing Grants are funded by the Centre County Room Tax and support marketing projects and special events that drive visitation, overnight stays, and tourism spending in Centre County.

Grants are not intended for operational support. Priority is given to projects that attract visitors from outside Centre County and demonstrate measurable tourism impact.

Who May Apply

This application is for Tourism Marketing Grants, which support marketing and advertising for events and tourism initiatives.

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)
• Be based in or producing a project or event in Centre County

What the Grant Can and Cannot Fund

Eligible Uses

• Marketing and advertising
• Special events designed to attract visitors

Ineligible Uses

• Operational or administrative expenses
• Political or religious activities
• Memberships or advertising with CVBs or Chambers outside Centre County
• Activities that directly compete with private-sector tourism efforts

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 events and marketing activities occurring 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 event timing and the timing of eligible expenditures.
• Any unspent funds as of June 30, 2027 will be forfeited unless an extension has been requested and granted.

Branding and Acknowledgment Requirements

All HVAB-funded projects must:

• Display the HVAB logo on all marketing and promotional materials.
• Follow HVAB logo use guidelines for print, digital, TV, and radio.
• Include the required acknowledgment language in promotional materials.

A logo use summary is provided separately and must be followed.

Reporting and Compliance

Grant recipients must:

• Submit a final report within 90 days of project completion.
• Use HVAB’s online final report form.
• Upload required financial and marketing 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 grant funds are disbursed.
• 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.