Grants Program FAQs
We want to make sure you are equipped to submit a competitive grant application so we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions.
Please contact us with any additional questions you may have, so we can answer them and add them to this page as a resource for others.
Competitive Small Grants Program and Oregon Wine Country Plates Matching Grants Program
Please Note (August 1, 2020): Travel Oregon is currently evaluating how its Grants Program will best serve the needs of the travel and tourism industry as it responds and recovers from the impacts of COVID-19. Be sure to join Travel Oregon’s industry newsletter list to stay updated on grant opportunities.
The Application
Q: How do I apply for a Travel Oregon grant?
A: The online application for the Competitive Small Grants program will open for 30 days in August 2020. In order to receive access to the online grant application, applicants must submit a project idea form that will be sent directly to their Regional Destination Management Organization (RDMO). Once the form is submitted, applicants will be provided with a confirmation email which will include a link and access code to the grant application.
The Oregon Wine Country License Plates Grants program will open Aug. 11.
You must have access to the internet and be able to upload files in order to complete the application.
Q: Once I start the application, will I be able to save my work and return at another time?
A: 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.
Q: Can I view the application questions before I access the actual application?
A: 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. Download the application questions for the 2021-2022 Oregon Wine Country Plates Matching Grants.
Document Uploads
Q: I am a non-profit business. Do I still need to upload a W-9 form?
A: Yes, all entities applying for grant funding through Travel Oregon must upload a completed W-9 form. Make sure you are using a current W-9 form. Non-profit businesses need to fill out their exemption code in Box 4. Non-profits need to enter Exempt Payee Code = 1 in this section (ignore the line regarding FATCA) as is described on page three of the W-9 directions.
Q: What is the document that I need to upload in order to show proof of my Federal Tax ID?
A: Proof of Federal Tax ID is a copy of the letter from the Internal Revenue Service showing your Federal Tax ID number.
If you are a tax exempt non-profit organization, and you can not find your Affirmation Letter, you may contact the IRS Tax Exempt and Government Entities Customer Account Services at 877-829-5500 to request an Affirmation Letter.
If you are a government entity in order to show proof of Federal Tax ID, you would include your Governmental Information Letter. As a special service to government entities, the IRS will issue a “governmental information letter” free of charge. This letter describes government entity exemption from Federal income tax and cites applicable Internal Revenue Code sections pertaining to deductible contributions and income exclusion. Government entities can request a governmental information letter by calling 877-829-5500.
All grant applicants should be prepared to show proof of EIN (CP 575 or replacement Form 147c).
Q: I am a for-profit business. What is the document that I need to upload in order to show proof of my Federal Tax ID?
A: For-profit entities must show proof of EIN. The document needed to show Proof of Federal Tax ID in the grant application is the EIN Confirmation Letter from the IRS.
If this number is lost or misplaced, you can contact the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933. (For-profit entities are not eligible to apply for Oregon Wine Country Plates Matching Grants).
Eligibility
Q: I am a tour operator (provide cycling tours). Can I apply for a “Tour operator support” Sales-type grant to help expand my business?
A: No. Sales-type projects include an emphasis on expanding growth in international markets. In terms of “Tour operator support” this is referencing support of an in-country marketing program. An example of this would be working with a German Tour Operator in promoting an Oregon seven-day tour package (marketed in Europe). The support would include some sort of incentive or action (product tasting, social media buy, or something to build consumer awareness) that could help to increase sales of the package through the travel agents.
Q: I am a small business owner. Can I apply for a “Familiarization tour support” Sales-type grant to purchase a shuttle bus as a way to transport travel writers/media to different drop off points along my tour route?
A: No. The purchase of modes of transportation (vehicles, kayaks, bicycles, etc.) by for-profit businesses will not be funded through Travel Oregon’s Competitive Small Grants program. Sales-type projects include an emphasis on expanding growth in international markets. In terms of “Familiarization tour support” this could be a lump sum payment used to host international media or receptive tour operators.
Competitive Medium Grants Program
The Application
Q: How do I apply for a Travel Oregon grant?
A: In order to receive access to the online grant application, applicants must submit a project idea form that will be sent directly to their Regional Destination Management Organization (RDMO). Once the form is submitted, applicants will be provided with a confirmation email which will include a link and access code to the grant application. You must have access to the internet and be able to upload files in order to complete the application.
Q: Once I start the application, will I be able to save my work and return at another time?
A: 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.
Q: Can I view the application questions before I access the actual application?
A: 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. Download the application questions for Competitive Medium Grants.
Document Uploads
Q: I am a non-profit business. Do I still need to upload a W-9 form?
A: Yes, all entities applying for grant funding through Travel Oregon must upload a completed W-9 form. Make sure you are using a current W-9 form. Non-profit businesses need to fill out their exemption code in Box 4. Non-profits need to enter Exempt Payee Code = 1 in this section (ignore the line regarding FATCA) as is described on page three of the W-9 directions.
Q: What is the document that I need to upload in order to show proof of my Federal Tax ID?
A: Proof of Federal Tax ID is a copy of the letter from the Internal Revenue Service showing your Federal Tax ID number.
If you are a tax exempt non-profit organization, and you can not find your Affirmation Letter, you may contact the IRS Tax Exempt and Government Entities Customer Account Services at 877-829-5500 to request an Affirmation Letter.
If you are a county or local government in order to show proof of Federal Tax ID, you would include your Governmental Information Letter. As a special service to government entities, the IRS will issue a “governmental information letter” free of charge. This letter describes government entity exemption from Federal income tax and cites applicable Internal Revenue Code sections pertaining to deductible contributions and income exclusion. Government entities can request a governmental information letter by calling 877-829-5500.
All grant applicants should be prepared to show proof of EIN (CP 575 or replacement Form 147c).
Q: What financial documentation are you looking for?
A: Previous year’s financial documents that would include: board-approved “Profit & Loss” statement, “Balance Sheet” from most recently completed fiscal year and proof of Federal Tax ID (see more above).
Competitive Large Grants Program
The Application
Q: How do I apply for a Travel Oregon grant?
A: The online application is available in Section VII of the Competitive Large Grants Guidelines.
Six copies of the application must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Nov. 13, 2017 to:
ATTN: Grants Manager
Travel Oregon
250 Church St. SE, Suite 100
Salem, OR 97301
In addition, a digital copy (preferably a PDF) of the application must be submitted with the application or via email by 5 p.m. on Nov. 13, 2017 to Grants@TravelOregon.com. Please note: hard copies of the applications may be postmarked Nov. 13, 2017.
Eligibility
Q: What is considered a world-class asset?
A: Travel Oregon defines a world-class asset as any of the following: Being among the best or foremost in the world; of an international standard of excellence; of the highest caliber; ranking above all others; attracting or comprising first-rank players/performers
Q: What information are you looking for in two years of detailed financials?
A: Travel Oregon would like to see the following financial information provided:
- A copy of the organization’s current, board-approved operating budget
- The organization’s most recent financial statements: Balance Sheet and Income Statement/Profit & Loss or in nonprofit terms, Statement of Financial Position and Statement of Activities
- If available, the organization’s audited financial statements for the most recent two years. A copy of the 2016 and 2015 Form 990 may be submitted
Any additional financial documentation may be included, but the information listed above meets the requirement of “Two years of detailed financials”
Q: Our applying entity was formed in 2017 but is a subsidiary of another non-profit entity, what do we need to show as two years of detailed financials?
A: Travel Oregon would like to see the following financial information provided:
- A copy of the organization’s current, board-approved operating budget (applying entity)
- The organization’s most recent financial statements: Balance Sheet and Income Statement/Profit & Loss or in nonprofit terms, Statement of Financial Position and Statement of Activities (applying entity)
- If available, the organization’s audited financial statements for the most recent two years. A copy of the 2016 and 2015 Form 990 may be submitted (from the parent company)
Any additional financial documentation may be included, but the information listed above meets the requirement of “Two years of detailed financials”
Q: We are applying to receive funding for an event, can we use projected ticket sales numbers as proof of the required 50 percent cash match?
A: Travel Oregon will allow projected ticket sales to be used as the required 50 percent cash match if the applying entity:
- Shows proof that the event has been secured and is scheduled to take place during a set timeframe
- Through a letter of commitment, shows demonstrated returns from past-related events and/or from previous years of this same event, that meet or exceed the required 50 percent cash match
Finalist Presentation
Q: What is the format for the presentation?
A: The presentation itself can be no longer than 20 minutes in length and can be provided on PowerPoint