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SUPERIOR — Organizations that host events in the city of Superior could be eligible for a financial boost from the tourism development commission.
The commission on Friday, Aug. 19, announced a new grant program designed to assist with the marketing of events held in the city. Eligible expenses include digital marketing, print and broadcast ads, direct mail, publicity and billboards. The grants will be funded through a portion of the room tax the city collects from hotels, motels and vacation rentals.
The marketing grant program was written by commission Chairperson Lindsey Graskey, who represents the 10th District. She emphasized the need to continue this type of program once the tourism development fund — which awarded several thousands of dollars to area groups to help promote events that included the Lake Superior Dragon Boat Festival, Ice Festival and others — was discontinued. The tourism development fund grants were discontinued May 12, according to the Superior-Douglas County Area Chamber of Commerce website.
“We know for certain that visitors come to Superior for these special events and most stay in our hotels and rental properties, generating more room tax for promotion,” Graskey said in a news release, and the tourism development commission wants to continue that effort.
The commission’s goal and mission for all room tax collections is to market Superior as a destination for vacations, assist museums and attractions, support visitor center operations and help promote events run by other organizations who follow the same goals.
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Applications for grants must be received by the first of the month and must be submitted at least 90 days prior to the first day of advertising that will be paid using the funds. For example, if the first day of grant-funded advertising runs Nov. 15, the organization would need to submit the application by Aug. 1. A presentation may be requested prior to the awarding of a grant; post-event summaries are required.
Visit the city website, www.ci.superior.wi.us , and visit the Mayor’s Office under departments to access, print and complete the application for the Tourism Development Commission Grant . Contact Graskey at graskeyl@ci.superior.wi.us for more information on the grants.
Grants available for nonprofit organizations
The city of Superior is currently accepting grant applications for recognized nonprofits in good standing with the IRS and the state of Wisconsin that are based in Superior and serve an identified population within the city.
These funds were made available from the Federal State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds program. The city council approved $1.25 million of the funds to be set aside for non-profit grants. A committee was formed, and a process for reviewing the grant applications has been set in place.
Applications will be accepted through Sept. 30. They will be reviewed starting the first week in October. Visit the city’s webpage to access, print and complete the application for the grant . Contact Rebecca Scherf at scherfr@ci.superior.wi.us or 715-395-7480 for more information.
