Visit Frederick is now accepting applications for the Tourism Reinvestment in Promotion and Product (TRIPP) program, a collaborative initiative providing grants for promotional funding and product development. Non-profit organizations and government agencies are invited to apply for TRIPP funds, aimed at enhancing attractions and fostering tourism development in Frederick County.
In the fiscal year 2025 (FY25), the TRIPP program has undergone expansion, offering increased funding and introducing a new facet that encourages Legacy Projects in preparation for the upcoming national 250th anniversary in 2026. This year, Visit Frederick has earmarked $500,000 through the TRIPP program, marking a substantial 67% rise compared to FY24.
Since its inception in 2006, the TRIPP program has bestowed over $3.9 million in grants. The upcoming grant period is poised to surpass the $4 million milestone, showcasing the program’s significant investment in tourism products and initiatives by non-profit and government entities in Frederick County.
A portion of the hotel tax revenue directed to Visit Frederick will be designated for promoting local non-profit attractions and events, as well as developing tourism products through non-profit initiatives. The TRIPP program utilizes a competitive application process to allocate funds for advertising and development projects. The expanded FY25 TRIPP program has been budgeted at $500,000, covering the period from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025.
The FY25 program includes specific allocations, with $200,000 designated for Tourism Advertising Awards, $150,000 for Tourism Development Grants, and another $150,000 for Legacy Development Grants.
The one-time Legacy Development Grants serve as an investment to foster sustainable projects with enduring value linked to the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026. Projects that share untold narratives impacting future visitor experiences, focus on workforce development, implement visitor-ready experiences for the U.S. 250th, or address accessibility and language barriers are strongly encouraged to apply.
Expressing enthusiasm, Dave Ziedelis, the Executive Director at Visit Frederick, highlighted the FY25 TRIPP Program’s budgeted funding as a historic peak in the program’s innovative history. He credited this achievement to the success of tourism-related businesses, attractions, events, and endeavors in Frederick County.
Ziedelis emphasized, “We are thrilled to maintain our commitment to supporting the non-profit community and government agencies through this impactful initiative, fostering tourism and providing funds for legacy projects leading up to the United States Semiquincentennial in 2026.”
The program is accessible to Frederick County non-profit organizations and government agencies that align with Visit Frederick’s objectives of increasing visitor numbers, prolonging the average length-of-stay, and enhancing visitor expenditures in Frederick County. Applications will undergo evaluation by a five-member selection committee appointed by the Visit Frederick Board of Directors.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to attend one of two workshops on Friday, February 9, 2024, at 2:30 pm or Friday, February 16, 2024, at 10:00 am at the Frederick Visitor Center. Completed applications must be submitted electronically to the Frederick Visitor Center by Sunday, March 31, 2024, at 5 pm, and funding awards will be announced in mid-May 2024.
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