Travel Oregon, the state’s tourism commission, dedicates a significant portion of its budget to fostering growth and enhancement within Oregon’s diverse communities. A cornerstone of this commitment is the Competitive Grants Program, designed to inject funding into projects that demonstrably boost local economies by strengthening and promoting the state’s vibrant visitor industry. This initiative perfectly aligns with Travel Oregon’s overarching vision: to ensure Oregon remains a welcoming destination where thriving tourism propels economic prosperity, champions environmental stewardship, and celebrates the state’s rich tapestry of cultures.
2024-2025 Competitive Grants: Key Dates and How to Apply
For the 2024-2025 cycle, the Competitive Grants Program is structured to support projects that resonate with Travel Oregon’s strategic direction as outlined in their 2023-2025 Biennial Plan. A crucial first step for prospective applicants is the Letter of Intent (LOI). This initial submission is mandatory and must be approved before gaining access to the full online application. The window for submitting Letters of Intent is from December 2, 2024, to January 15, 2025. Following LOI approval, the full application deadline is February 27, 2025. Successful grant recipients will be publicly announced on June 17, 2025.
This grant cycle specifically targets key objectives from Travel Oregon’s Biennial Plan, focusing on strategic tourism development across the state. These objectives include:
- Diversifying Tourism Offerings: Reducing pressure on high-visitation areas by investing in niche tourism sectors that capitalize on Oregon’s strengths and growing visitor interests. Examples include outdoor recreation, culinary experiences, agritourism, and arts and culture initiatives.
- Community Engagement in Destination Management: Expanding avenues for local residents and tourism stakeholders to actively participate and collaborate in shaping destination management strategies.
- Enhanced Communication and Responsible Tourism: Improving visitor behavior and experiences through aligned communication efforts across the tourism industry. This includes providing timely information, promoting responsible recreation practices, and fostering respect for all communities.
- Supporting Underserved Communities: Developing new and enhancing existing tourism facilities and products in a way that better serves historically and currently underserved and under-resourced communities across Oregon.
- Broadening Audience Engagement: Increasing tourism demand by effectively leveraging the Oregon brand to engage wider audiences, showcasing Oregon’s diverse cultures, people, and places.
Grant Program Focus: Access, Inclusion, and Economic Impact
The fundamental purpose of the Travel Oregon Competitive Grants Program is to channel funds into projects that actively embody Travel Oregon’s vision. Specifically for 2024-2025, the program prioritizes projects that demonstrably increase access and inclusion for historically and currently underserved or under-resourced communities. This focus is directly informed by the State of Oregon’s DEI Action Plan, ensuring alignment with broader state initiatives for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Who Can Apply for Travel Oregon Grants?
Eligibility for these grants is open to a range of entities actively contributing to Oregon’s tourism sector. Eligible applicants must be doing business within Oregon and be able to demonstrate their direct involvement in enhancing the economic impact of the state’s travel and tourism industry. Eligible applicant types include:
- Local governments
- Port districts
- Federally recognized tribes
- Non-profit entities officially registered with the Oregon Secretary of State’s Office
Entities unsure about their eligibility are encouraged to contact Travel Oregon directly at [email protected] for clarification.
Project Preferences: Infrastructure and Promotion for Inclusivity
To align with the program’s goals, proposed projects must concentrate on either tourism infrastructure development or tourism promotion activities, with a clear emphasis on increasing access and inclusion. Each eligible entity can submit only one application, and only one proposal per project will be considered, preventing multiple entities from seeking funding for the same project.
While not exhaustive, the program guidelines offer examples of preferred project types that strongly align with the grant’s objectives. These examples serve to illustrate the kinds of initiatives Travel Oregon seeks to support through this funding opportunity, all aimed at enhancing travel oregon experiences for a wider range of visitors and communities.
Taking the Next Step: Accessing Grant Information
Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to thoroughly review the complete 2024-2025 Competitive Grant Guidelines. This document provides comprehensive details about the program, application process, and evaluation criteria.
To begin the application process, access the Letter of Intent form through the online portal between December 2, 2024, and January 15, 2025: https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=otc.
Applicants who have previously applied for Travel Oregon grants can utilize their existing login credentials. New applicants will need to create a new account to access the system and begin their Letter of Intent submission. Upon successful review of the Letter of Intent, Travel Oregon will extend an invitation via email to complete the full online grant application.
Important Dates at a Glance: Travel Oregon Grant Timeline
- December 2, 2024 (8 a.m. PT): Letter of intent form available online
- January 15, 2025 (5 p.m. PT): Letter of intent submission deadline
- February 27, 2025 (5 p.m. PT): Full application submission deadline
- June 17, 2025 (5 p.m. PT): Grant funding decisions announced
- February 17, 2026: Mid-Project Report due
- November 3, 2026: Project completion deadline (grant funds must be spent)
- November 17, 2026: Accomplishment Report due
This Travel Oregon grant program represents a significant opportunity to develop and promote tourism initiatives that benefit communities across Oregon. By focusing on strategic, inclusive, and sustainable projects, Travel Oregon continues to champion responsible tourism growth that enhances both the visitor experience and the quality of life for Oregon residents.
