In the 2021 budget, the City Commission set aside $120,000 in Transient Guest Tax (TGT) funds for the purpose of supporting a competitive grant program for events. The grant program guidelines and the application are available online at lawrenceks.org/cmo/tgt-grants. The application period runs through November 20 at midnight. (Information about the impact of the pandemic on the grant program is below.)
We will hold two informational meetings ― one on Wednesday, October 28 and one on Friday, October 30, both between 2-3 p.m. These meetings will be held via Zoom video conference and in the City Commission Room at City Hall for those without technology access (mask required). These meetings are for any organization interested in learning more about the Transient Guest Tax Grant program and grant funding. During each informational meeting, city staff will provide a presentation and be available to answer questions.
Registration for the informational Zoom meetings is required:
- Register for the October 28 Zoom meeting at 2 p.m. here: https://bit.ly/37uzAB3
- Register for the October 30 Zoom meeting at 2 p.m. here: https://bit.ly/37vSnvs
The Transient Guest Tax Grant Program will provide funding for specific events which meet the following goals:
- Demonstrate a measurable economic benefit including enhancing the cultural economy or travel/tourism economy, create additional transient guest tax and sales tax; and
- Enhance Lawrence’s character and reputation for tourist activities and demonstrate pull of regional visitors.
The program will have one funding cycle for 2021 (for events occurring January 1 through December 31, 2021). An advisory board reviews the applications and makes recommendations for funding to the City Commission for approval and final funding decisions. Grant applications for 2021 are due by midnight, November 20, 2020.
The online application and grant guidelines are online at lawrenceks.org/cmo/tgt-grants.
For more information, please contact Porter Arneill, Director of Communications and Creative Resources, (785) 832-3402, parneill@lawrenceks.org.
Pandemic Information: Please note that during the coronavirus pandemic, Transient Guest Tax revenues for lodging stays have been significantly reduced. The TGT fund is reliant on these revenues to be able to fund the TGT grants and other city programs. The City Commission will review the City’s budget to determine if and where reductions may be implemented. Under these circumstances, it is probable that TGT grant funds will be reduced. If so, reductions will be applied equitably ― by percentage ― to all awarded grants to maintain fairness throughout the year. Applicants should apply for appropriate funds based on the guidelines but also be prepared to adjust budgets accordingly. We will provide more information as soon as it’s available.
Safety Information: All in-person events will be required to follow currentLawrence Douglas County Public Health and/or Kansas Department of Health and the Environment orders and provide information about appropriate pandemic precautions and procedures during events.