The City of Milwaukie is accepting applications for tourism grants through the Clackamas County Community Partnership Program (CPP). The program is funded with Clackamas County’s transient lodging tax dollars and is intended to bring visitors to the community to get them to “linger longer” to shop, eat and recreate.  Public, private, and non-profit organizations are eligible to apply that are within the Milwaukie city limits.

The CPP Grant Program provides funding for tourism-related projects that have the potential to become significant and self-sustaining; that are aligned with the goals and priorities outlined in the County’s Tourism and Cultural Affair’s (TCA) 2012-2013 Business Plan; that are aligned with Milwaukie’s Tourism Action Plan, and that have the ability to recognize and/or demonstrate a return on investment.

Projects should increase tourism or tourism activity. Tourism means economic activity that is a result of tourists who travel to the area for business or pleasure, recreation or participation in events related to the arts, heritage or culture, and who travel more than 50 miles from where they reside; or stay overnight.  Projects where the expense could be considered a normal or regular cost of doing business are not eligible for funding.

Up to $20,000 is available for projects, but individual grants may be awarded for projects for as little as $500.  Matching funds and in-kind contributions are not required, but are strongly encouraged.

Applications are due by 5:00pm on February 22, 2013.  This is a competitive grant that will be reviewed by a committee of City staff and tourism-related business owners from the community. Project selection and grant awards are expected to be made by mid-March. All funds received are to be expended by June 30, 2013.

Applicants should review the CPP overview which explains the program and criteria and submit the grant application, both available at http://www.ci.milwaukie.or.us/citymanager/community-tourism-grants-available

Applications may be emailed to Teri Bankhead at bankheadt@ci.milwaukie.or.us or mailed to:
City of Milwaukie
Attn: Teri Bankhead
10722 SE Main Street
Milwaukie, OR 97222