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Visitor Experience Enhancement Grants

Travel Portland's grants are intended to support our mission of generating travel demand that drives economic impact for Portland.

Updated Aug. 27, 2024 1 min read

We’re dedicated to promoting our destination in bold, innovative and collaborative ways that harness Portland’s personality and values and that connect visitors to authentic experiences. We support those experiences through our grant program.

Since launching in January 2023, a total of $385,000 has been awarded to 15 projects across Portland through our Visitor Experience Enhancement Grant Program. Funded through lodging taxes and fees collected from hotels and short-term rentals within Portland, these grants support new product development and the rejuvenation of existing tourism infrastructure that will enhance the visitor experience in Portland.

The 2024 grant cycle is now closed (see below timeline for key dates). Subsequent grant cycles will be announced on this page and in the Industry Update e-newsletter.

VIEW 2024 grant GUIDELINES

Timeline

Grant guidelines available online	Dec. 14, 2023
Eligibility quiz and application form available online	Jan. 8, 2024
Informational session	Jan. 10, 2024
Deadline to submit application	Feb. 12, 2024
Application status notification	March 31, 2024
Grant agreement due	April 15, 2024
Project completion deadline	April 30, 2025
Project report due (with budget and proof of spending)	May 15, 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I view the application questions before I access the actual application?

Yes. We encourage you to download the application questions before you begin the application, so you can have everything ready to go. Enlisting a proof-reader to review your answers before you complete the application is also highly recommended.

Once I start the application, will I be able to save my work and return at another time?

Yes. You will create an account through our online application system. Accessing the application through a secure login will enable you to save the application and return at a later time to complete. However, once you submit your application, you cannot make changes to it. You will only be able to view your submission.

How will projects be selected for funding?

Awardees will be determined by a cross-departmental panel of Travel Portland staff members based on the criteria listed on pages 2-3 of the grant guidelines.

Can grant dollars awarded be used to hire and/or expand staff to build capacity?

No, dollars from this cycle of grant funding cannot be used to pay for staff salaries or expand staff capacity.

We were awarded a grant in a previous cycle. Are we eligible for this cycle?

Yes, you would be eligible to apply for this cycle of funding if your entity still qualifies under the eligible entity type.

Can the budget include contractor or consultant fees?

Yes, it can. Please be as specific as possible in the budget to support your proposal’s narrative, clearly identifying the budgetary line items that will be covered by the Travel Portland grant award is encouraged.

Can our organization submit multiple applications?

Since a maximum of one grant project per organization per grant cycle will be awarded, we encourage organizations to submit one application for the project that best fits the guidelines.

For additional questions about eligibility criteria or the application process, contact grants@travelportland.com.

Visitor Experience Enhancement Grant Recipients

Since launching in January 2023, a total of $385,000 has been awarded to 15 projects across Portland through this grant program.

See awarded projects

Additional Funding Opportunities

Check Travel Oregon's list of additional funding opportunities.

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