Discover Bedford County: 2026 Tourism Grant Opportunities

The Bedford County Visitors Bureau is pleased to announce two grant programs designed to support tourism-related marketing and development efforts throughout the county. These programs aim to increase visitation, enhance the visitor experience, and strengthen Bedford County’s position as a regional destination.

1. Cooperative Marketing Grant Program

Funding Period: January 1 – December 31, 2026
Application Deadline: January 5, 2026
Total Available: $50,000

This matching grant program supports local marketing efforts by non-profit attractions, events, and tourism partners. Eligible expenses include paid advertising, brochures, social media promotion, and visitor-facing digital content.

  • Cash match required: 50%

  • Must follow Discover Bedford County branding guidelines

Download the Coop Marketing App 2026

2. Tourism Growth Initiative (TGI)

Funding Period: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027
Application Deadline: June 1, 2026
Total Available: $100,000

TGI is a competitive grant program for larger-scale marketing campaigns and tourism development projects. Funding may be used for advertising, signage, visitor experience improvements, and digital tools such as self-guided tours or destination apps.

  • Match requirement: 25% (cash or in-kind)

  • Designed for high-impact projects with long-term tourism potential

Download the TGI Grant App 2026

Resources and Application Materials

All projects must comply with Discover Bedford County’s branding and public acknowledgment policies, including logo use and required credit language on all funded promotions.
 

Questions?

Contact the Bedford County Visitors Bureau at (814) 623-1771
 
Create the following for the page-
 
Logos and brand assets can be downloaded here: www.discoverbedfordcounty.com/grants/branding
 
Final reports must be submitted through the template available at: www.discoverbedfordcounty.com/grants/report