ITHACA, N.Y. — The Tompkins County tourism program is now accepting applications for the spring 2026 funding round for three grant programs with $164,000 in funding available. The grant programs are designed to enhance the county’s tourism sector, develop outdoor-recreation opportunities, and support community celebrations, per the Tompkins County announcement. A tourism grant workshop is […]
ITHACA, N.Y. — The Tompkins County tourism program is now accepting applications for the spring 2026 funding round for three grant programs with $164,000 in funding available.
The grant programs are designed to enhance the county’s tourism sector, develop outdoor-recreation opportunities, and support community celebrations, per the Tompkins County announcement.
A tourism grant workshop is set for Jan. 28 at 3:30 pm in the Borg Warner room of the Tompkins County Public Library at 101 E. Green St. in Ithaca. The county encourages first time and returning grant applicants to attend.
“These grants play a vital role in supporting our local communities while strengthening Tompkins County’s position as a destination,” Nick Helmholdt, the county’s tourism program director, said in the announcement. “We encourage eligible organizations to consider how these funds can help bring their vision for community celebrations and tourism initiatives to life.”
Applications for all three grant programs are due Feb. 26.
For more information about eligibility requirements and application procedures, visit https://www.tompkinscountyny.gov/tourism
About the grant programs
Community celebration grants provide funding to help nonprofit organizations and municipalities showcase Tompkins County’s culture and heritage through community events. With $24,000 available for the spring round, these grants support free, public celebrations that bring the community together. Individual grants are capped at $2,500.
Tourism advancement grants support events, projects, and marketing campaigns that attract overnight visitors to Tompkins County. This program offers up to $85,000 in total funding for the spring 2026 round, with individual awards limited to $10,000.
Tompkins County outdoors grants provide general operating support for organizations that enhance the county’s profile as an outdoor-recreation destination. Organizations that maintain outdoor-recreation facilities or provide outdoor-recreational programming are eligible to apply. A total of $55,000 is available in 2026.
