2026 Competitive Grants Program
To Get Started
Review the complete 2026 Travel Oregon Competitive Grants Guidelines available here.
Grant funds are intended to support projects that align with Travel Oregon’s vision: Oregon is a welcoming destination where tourism drives economic prosperity, benefits the natural environment and celebrates rich, diverse cultures. Fluctuations in the seasonality of visitation offer key points in time when strategic investments can positively impact visitor spending. By emphasizing a destination stewardship approach, funds can benefit the economy while reducing environmental impact and balancing visitor experience with resident sentiment.
The 2026 Competitive Grants Program will focus funding on projects that extend the visitor season, increasing visitor spending and opportunities for year-round employment. These projects must be completed and show impact between September 23, 2026 and September 23, 2028 to be considered for funding. The Oregon Tourism Commission is mandated to fund programs and base grant awards on demonstrated return on investment, geographic equity and community support.
Eligible Applicants
Eligible applicants include those listed below that are doing business in Oregon and can demonstrate direct work in support of improving the economic impacts of Oregon’s travel and tourism industry:
- Local governments (city or county, not state or federal agencies)
- Port districts
- Federally recognized tribes
- Non-profit entities registered with the Oregon Secretary of State’s Office
Only one proposal may be submitted per entity, and only one proposal may be submitted per project (multiple entities may not request funding for the same project).
Timeline
- Tues, April 7, 2026 (8 a.m. PT) – Letter of intent form available online
- Mon, April 27, 2026 (5 p.m. PT) – Deadline to submit letter of intent
- Wed, June 10, 2026 (8 a.m. PT) – Application form available online (for invited applicants)
- Wed, July 1, 2026 (5 p.m. PT) – Deadline to submit application
- Wed, September 23, 2026 – Funding decisions announced
How to Apply
Submit a letter of intent form between 8 a.m. PT on April 7, 2026 and 5 p.m. PT on April 27, 2026 at: https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=otc
Applicant Information Sessions via Zoom
Attendees will need to register in advance using the links below, but sessions will be recorded and shared.
- Thurs., April 2, 2026, 2 p.m. – Grant Program Overview Recording (Resources linked below):
- Oregon Secretary of State – Business Registry
- Travel Oregon Competitive Grant Program – Information Page
- Travel Oregon 2026 Competitive Grant Program Guidelines
- Travel Oregon Industry Newsletter Sign-Up
- Travel Oregon Online Grant Application Portal
- What Is An In-Kind Donation?
- Calculating the Value of Unpaid Labor
- Indirect Costs Overview
- Thurs., April 9, 2026, 11 a.m. – Destination Stewardship Alignment Recording
- Wed., April 15, 2026, 9 a.m. – Capacity for Large Scale Marketing Projects Recording
- Thurs., April 16, 2026, 10 a.m. – Using Data to Measure Impact Recording
- Wed., April 22, 2026, 10 a.m. - Drop In Office Hours for Tech Support (not recorded, no registration required)
- Fri., April 24, 2026, 11 a.m. - Drop In Office Hours for Tech Support (not recorded, no registration required)