TOURISM SUPPORT REQUEST
Louisa County
Tourism Support Request
Have a great idea for an event or program that will attract overnight visitors? Or have an existing initiative with potential to grow? Louisa County tourism may be able to support the project.
Eligibility and Memorandums of Understanding
The Code of Virginia, § 15.2-953, allows for localities to make appropriations to certain types of entities (nonprofit recreational associations or organizations; nonprofit associations or organizations furnishing services to beautify and maintain communities or to prevent neighborhood deterioration; chamber of commerces which are nonprofit and nonsectarian; public or private nonprofit organizations or agencies engaged in commemorating historical events; nonprofit foundations established to support a public park; and associations or other organizations furnishing voluntary firefighting services or a nonprofit or volunteer emergency medical services agency). Examples of terms and conditions from past Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) for approved projects include web integrations, County approval of marketing materials, and collecting visitor origin information.
For private businesses/entities that are not 501(c)(3)s, the tourism team may still be able to partner on projects. This funding is limited to no more than $4,999 per project, and the business/entity will be required to support Louisa County tourism by providing relevant program data and marketing information, submitting blog content and following the process to submit events through the Visit Louisa ingestion process, collaborating with a minimum of one other Louisa County business to create a package offering, displaying Visit Louisa information, providing available brochures to the Sargeant Museum, and submitting a calendar of planned large events. Terms and conditions outlined in the agreement may be modified as needed to best support the engaged parties.
As a strict condition of receiving County tourism support funds, the Applicant, including any organization, entity, or event, must be in full compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws. This requirement includes, but is not limited to, holding all required licenses and permits, as well as maintaining properties free of zoning, building, and health code violations. Any confirmed code violation shall constitute an immediate breach of any agreement and may result in the immediate suspension of funding and an obligation to repay the County.
Please note:
- Government entities have broad discretion over how they spend public funds and whether a company/event aligns with their image
- Local governments are permitted to establish their own sponsorship criteria and can deny sponsorship if a company conflicts with their core values or if there are public safety concerns
- An event should meet the county’s specific tourism or public interest requirements
Process
Timeline
Complete the Tourism Support Request form below to detail project needs. The request will be reviewed by the Tourism Advisory Committee, and the Committee will make a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors for final decision as needed. The Tourism Advisory Committee will review requests as indicated by the schedule below.
January – Tourism Support Request applications need to be received by December 1 for review in January. Applications received after December 1 and before March 2 will be reviewed at an April meeting.
April – Tourism Support Request applications need to be received by March 1 for review in April. Applications received after March 1 and before June 2 will be reviewed at a July meeting.
July – Tourism Support Request applications need to be received by June 1 for review in July. Applications received after June 1 and before October 2 will be reviewed at an October meeting.
October – Tourism Support Request applications need to be received by September 1 for an October review. Applications received after September 1 and before December 2 will be reviewed at a January meeting.
For additional funding opportunities, see Virginia Tourism Corporation grant programs. Note the County’s fiscal year begins July 1, and once the Tourism Support Funds are exhausted for a year, monetary support may not be available for the remaining portion of the fiscal year. Should funds be exhausted for a fiscal year, this webpage will be updated.
