Gering Visitors Bureau - Occupation Tax Grant, Gering, Nebraska

in Gering, Nebraska

The Gering Occupation Tax Grant is available to assist community organizations for projects, infrastructure, and promotions that generate overnight stays in Gering and Scotts Bluff County lodging facilities.

Gering Occupation Tax Grant

Adopted by the Gering City Council, grant applications will be rated utilizing a standard-adopted rubric (scoresheet) to measure how applications align with occupation tax funding priorities and to give Council latitude in determining projects to be funded with the overall goal of generating tourism visitations and extended stays.

Grant Funding Schedule

Funds allocation schedules:

Minor grants defined as $10,000 or less (considered in May and November)
Major grants defined as $10,001 or more (considered in February and August)
Fund Applications are due 30 days in advance of consideration schedule
Applicants will make an in-person presentation in front of the City of Gering Occupation Tax Fund Grant Application Advisory Committee in an open meeting in compliance with the Open Meetings Act

Uses For Grant Funds

Recommendations on allocation of Occupation Tax funding may be prioritized in this order:

Directly promote the convention and hospitality industry.
Directly promote group markets; sports/recreation event, motorcoach tours
Directly promote tourism.
Promotion and advertising costs associated with promotion of tourism, convention and hospitality industry.
Funding transportation systems for visitors.
Signage for directing visitors to sites and attractions that are frequently visited in the zoning jurisdiction of Gering.
Acquiring or expanding exhibits for visitor attractions.
Expanding and improving any existing visitor attraction or construction of new attractions.
Funding certain expenses, including promotional expenses, directly related to recreation tourism activity.
Funding the enhancement or upgrading of existing recreation tourism facilities.
Expenditures for the promotion of the arts.

Occupation taxes may not be used for the following:

General operating expenses not related to the exhibit-event or project
Items not included in the application
General maintenance or replacement of existing structural component of an existing facility

Grant Application

For consideration, see the guidelines and complete the application below. Upon completion of the application, please return it as indicated at the bottom of the form. If you have any questions, please contact us.