Carbondale Tourism Community Impact Grant Program
Program Purpose
The Carbondale Tourism Community Impact Grant Program reinvests lodging tax revenue into projects that support events, enhance visitor experience, and mitigate the environmental and social impacts of tourism.
The program aligns with the goals and core values outlined in Carbondale Tourism’s 5-Year Tourism Strategy.
Funding Structure
The Community Impact Grant program is funded by Carbondale’s 2% lodging tax that was approved by voters in 2003, and implemented in 2024. Starting in 2026, Carbondale Tourism allocates 10% of its annual income to its Community Impact Grant Program. The average grant request is between $1,000 to $5,000. An average of one to five grants will be awarded annually.
Funds must be spent by the applicant in the year in which the funds are issued by Carbondale Tourism.
Eligibility
Applicants must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, locally owned business, or fiscally sponsored organization.
Projects must take place within the Town of Carbondale limits, or greater Carbondale area.
Note, per the Town of Carbondale, all special events that take place on Town property must be approved through the Special Events Task Force Committee. Click here to learn more about that process. Carbondale Tourism is not affiliated with event permitting and approvals.
Grant Categories
Destination Stewardship:
Support projects that address tourism impacts on trails, the environment, and community spaces. Examples: digital education, visitor awareness campaigns, and pre-arrival messaging.
Event Production:
Support events through event infrastructure and production. Examples: composting at event, stage or table & chair rentals, etc.
Marketing:
Support events through visitor-facing marketing. Examples: social media and digital advertising, local news print ads.
Timeline
2026 Grant Timeline
- Application Window: May 1 – June 15
- Review & Awards: June 16 – July 31
- Implementation: June 1, 2026 – May 31, 2027
- Grantee Post Event/Final Reporting & Evaluation Due: September – December
2027 Grant Timeline
- Application Window: February 1 – April 1
- Review & Awards: April 2 – May 31
- Implementation: June 1 – May 31, 2028
- Grantee Post Event/Final Reporting & Evaluation Due: 60 days post completion
