The Warren County Tourism Development Authority is launching a mini-grant program to support events, marketing initiatives and tourism-related projects that bring visitors into Warren County and encourage overnight stays.
The Tourism Promotion Mini-Grant Program, funded through occupancy tax revenues, ensures that tourism dollars are reinvested directly into the community to stimulate economic activity, support local businesses, and strengthen the overall visitor experience, according to information from Warren Tourism Manager Cherie Nielsen.
Due to the timing of the program’s rollout during the fourth quarter of the current fiscal year, funding will be awarded beginning July 1, 2026. The WCTDA will roll forward $25,000 originally budgeted for the program, resulting in a total of $50,000 in available funding for the upcoming grant cycle.
The mini-grant program will operate through a competitive application process open to nonprofits, municipalities, businesses and community groups. Eligible projects may include festivals, cultural events, marketing campaigns and tourism experiences designed to attract visitors to Warren County.
Neilsen said, “We’re excited to open this opportunity to our community. We know there are great ideas out there, and this program is designed to help bring those ideas to life. This is about creating opportunity, supporting our local economy, and giving people a reason to come to Warren County and stay awhile.”
The initiative supports Warren County’s tourism vision to invite visitors to “Step In. Stay Awhile.”
“This program is an investment in Warren County’s future,” Nielsen added. “Tourism is one of the few ways we can bring new dollars into our community, and this gives us a structured way to support the people and projects that make that happen.”
The application period is expected to open in the coming months. Completed applications will be reviewed and scored by the WCTDA Product Development and Grants Committee, with final funding decisions approved by the WCTDA Board to ensure a transparent and accountable process.
A grant application workshop will be offered to assist applicants through the process. Attendance at the workshop will be required for all first-time applicants, with the exception of municipalities.
To maintain fiscal responsibility, the program is reimbursement-based. Grant recipients must complete their projects, submit documentation of expenses, and provide a final report demonstrating attendance, visitor reach, and overall impact before funds are distributed. All funded projects must be completed by May 31, 2027 to align with County financial policies.
For more information about the WCTDA Tourism Promotion Mini-Grant Program, please contact:
Cherie Nielsen
Tourism Manager
Warren County Tourism Development Authority
CherieNielsen@WarrenCountyNC.gov | 252.213.7356
