Community Grant Program – Applications Now Open

News StaffOctober 15, 2024

452 2 minutes read

Community Grant Program – Applications Now Open

Mono County, through its Economic Development, Tourism & Film Commission, is pleased to announce the availability of funding from three Community Support Grant Programs. Each is a reimbursement program designed to support organized, established non-profit organizations in Mono County. Funding is identified in the 2024-25 fiscal year (FY) budget adopted on September 17^th by the Board of Supervisors.

Community Event Marketing Fund (CEMF): a reimbursement program to support established non-profit groups that may require additional revenue to advertise and promote tourism-based community events to markets outside the Eastern Sierra. The purpose of this program is to further the Mono County Economic Development, Tourism & Film Commission’s goal to increase year-round visitation and overnight stays in Mono County which provide economic benefit to the region. Primary consideration will be given to those that take place in the less busy “shoulder” seasons. Up to $5,000 in funding on a reimbursement basis is available per event, although additional funds may be awarded depending on the total amount allocated to each community. Total funding available for the FY 24-25 CEMF is $25,000.
Historical Societies Grant Program (HSGP): a reimbursement program to support established non-profit historical societies and museums in Mono County with eligible projects and programs. Up to $4,000 in funding on a reimbursement basis is available per organization, determined by the scope of the project and needs. Additional funds may be awarded depending on the total number of applications. Total funding available for the FY 24-25 HSGP is $14,000.
Performing & Visual Arts Grant Program (PVAGP): a reimbursement program to support established non-profit Performing and Visual Arts organizations in Mono County with eligible projects and programs. Up to $4,500 in funding on a reimbursement basis is available per organization, determined by the scope of the project and needs. Additional funds may be awarded depending on the total number of applications. Total funding available for the FY 24-25 PVAGP is $25,000.

Program details and links to the online applications can be found here: https://monocounty.ca.gov/tourismcommission/page/community-support-grant-programs

Please carefully review the program details and requirements and have all necessary documentation ready before applying.

CEMF – new for 24-25:

In an effort to support long-standing events that may also exhibit a need for marketing support, events that have occurred five or more times will no longer lose one point, they will receive zero points.
Events that take place during peak-visitation periods (see website) will now lose one point (previously zero points). These events may be considered ineligible depending on community/location and event dates.
This will be the last year that events who provide a report will receive one point. Going forward, reports will be standardized and required for reimbursement.
Previous CEMF applicants, please note: if you did NOT submit a report or follow-up with staff following an event that previously received CEMF funding, please e-mail [email protected] before the application deadline (12/1/24).

PVAG & HSGP – new for 24-25:

This fiscal year, we were able to increase the funding available for these two programs using the grant program’s cash balance. PVAG increased from $18,000 to $25,000 for this fiscal year only. HSGP increased from $8,500 to $14,000 for this fiscal year only.

Applications are due by 11:59pm on Sunday, December 1, 2024.