Apply for 2022 Kirkland Tourism Funding by August 6
Published on June 25, 2021
Media Contact:
Joy Johnston
Interim Communications Program Manager
jjohnston@kirklandwa.gov
(425) 979-6562
KIRKLAND, Wash. – The Kirkland Tourism Development Committee (TDC) is excited to launch the 2022 Explore Kirkland tourism grant application process, open now through Friday, August 6.
The Explore Kirkland Tourism Program grants marketing and operations funds to special events and festivals that demonstrate the ability to attract visitors from over 50 miles away and generate overnight stays. The program supports and promotes events that showcase the city’s best assets while fostering a love of Kirkland, inspiring guests to come back time and time again. The program is funded by the lodging tax collected by Kirkland hotels, motels and short-term rentals.
In past years, the program has awarded funding to numerous treasured Kirkland events including the Junior Softball World Series, Kirkland Summerfest, Kirkland Uncorked, Kirkland Oktoberfest, the 4th of July event “Celebrate Kirkland,” and many more. Over the past 15 months, many events were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With vaccinations on the rise and the statewide reopening just days away, the TDC is excited to move forward with the 2022 grant program.
As in years past, the TDC will award a total of up to $60,000 in 2022 event grants. The TDC recently revised the criteria for evaluating proposals to focus on multiday competitive tournament-style events, athletic or otherwise, along with new events and those that promote diversity and inclusivity. Additionally, the criteria continue to give serious consideration to established events with proven track records of bringing visitors to the city.
“We had high hopes for the resumption of special events in 2021, but our tourism partners continued to face challenges securing locations for events and complying with heightened health and safety protocols,” said Tourism Development Committee Chair and City Councilmember Toby Nixon. “It’s great that several of them will be able to go forward after the upcoming reopening! We look forward to a full schedule of events in 2022, and to reviewing proposals for vibrant and inspiring events that will draw guests to our beautiful lakeside community.”
Event organizers may visit the city’s Tourism Funding webpage for information on grant funding criteria and to access the 2022 online grant application. Applications must be submitted by 5 p.m., Friday, August 6. Questions about the tourism grant application process may be sent to Tourism Program staff at tourism@kirklandwa.gov.
The Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 67.28.180 provides authority for cities to adopt a lodging tax. The City of Kirkland has adopted a 1 percent lodging tax rate and may invest these revenues into events that attract visitors to Kirkland. Kirkland’s Tourism Program has been in operation since 2002. During that time, over $700,000 has been granted to tourism events and programs. The lodging tax also funds the city tourism web site https://www.explorekirkland.com and other tourism promotion activities.
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