| Q: |
Who decided who receives a grant?
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| A: |
The Idaho Travel Council (ITC), an eight-member board tourism industry professionals appointed by the Governor. A member is selected from each of the seven travel regions in the state and one member to serves at-large. Among the responsibilities of ITC reviews and recommends acceptance or denial of local grant requests submitted by nonprofit groups or organizations.
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| Q: |
What is funded by the ITC Grant program?
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| A: |
The ITC grant program is for "the creation and implementation of programs designed to stimulate and expand the travel and convention industry within the state's seven planning regions." In other words, ITC grants are used to promote travel to and around the state of Idaho. Co-operative advertising with for-profit partners stretches dollars for both parties.
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| Q: |
What can't the grant be used for? |
| A: |
ITC grant funds cannot be used to pay for:
- Staff and Personnsl costs
- Capitol purchases
- Event expenses other than promotion
- Alcoholic beverages
- Costs associated with the regular operations of the organization
This list is not all-inclusive; ITC grants are administered by a department of the State of Idaho and must abide by all purchasing rules and regulations of the
Idaho Department of Administration and the Idaho State Controller's Office. |
| Q: |
Who can apply for an ITC grant?
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| A: |
Established, permanent, non-profit, organizations incorporated in Idaho with tourism promotion in the region as a primary function. Chambers of Commerce and regional travel promotion organizations comprise most of the grantees.
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| Q: |
Where does the money that supports the Idaho Travel Council grant program come from?
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| A: |
The funds are generated by the two percent (2%) tax on the sale of hotels, motels, and private campground accommodations. Forth-five percent (45%) of the monies collected in each ITC region will be returned to the region through grant awards. The balance is used for Division of Tourism administration and State of Idaho travel promotion.
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| Q: |
How is the grant money dispursed?
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| A: |
The ITC grant program is a cost reimbursement grant. When you make purchases that support your travel promotion marketing plan, you submit documentation to the Idaho Department of Commerce and are reimbursed for those costs.
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| Q: |
Is there match or any other requirement for the grantee?
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| A: |
Grantees are required to cash match of 12.5% cash match. For every $100 you are reimbursed from the grant, you must put $12.50 towards promoting the state or the area. There are periodic reports that must be submitted as well.
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| Q: |
Can ITC funds be matched by other state or federal program funds?
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| A: |
Yes, as long as the match funds are not from another Idaho Department of Commerce grant.
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| Q: |
What is the schedule for applying for grant?
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| A: |
The deadline for grant submission is the first Monday in June, but you should be working with the grant analyst and regional Idaho Travel Council representative before that point:
February or March - Idaho Travel Council Grant Managers Workshop, Boise
April or May – Meet with Regional Representative to discuss your marketing plan.
Presentation of grants in conjunction with the Idaho Convention on Tourism
June – 1st Monday - Grant Applications Due
July– Idaho Travel Council Grant Awards
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| Q: |
Do I have to meet with the regional ITC representative before I apply?
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| A: |
It is strongly recommended that you discuss your intentions with your regional ITC representative; he or she can assess how your grant will fit with other grants in the region and advise you on what projects have a high likelyhood of being funded.
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| Q: |
Do I have to make a presentation to the entire Council?
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| A: |
If you apply for grant funds in excess of $50,000, it is important to make a presentation to the ITC. Applicant's with smaller grants have the option to make a presentation. Your ITC representative can advise you on this matter.
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| Q: |
What do I do first if I want to apply for an ITC grant?
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| A: |
Read through the ITC Grant Handbook. This program requires someone who can serve as a grant manager, and there is quite a bit of work involved.
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| Q: |
My organization has someone who will serve as a grant manager. What do I do next?
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| A: |
Contact the grant analyst at the Idaho Department of Commerce. You can discuss your plans with your regional ITC representative and find out how it fits into other grants in your region.
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| Q: |
Where can I find out what region I'm in?
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| A: |
There is a description of the ITC regions along with the name and contact information for the regional representative here.
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| Q: |
What if my organization operates in more than one region?
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| A: |
You can apply for a grant as a multi-region or statewide grant. The
Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association and the Idaho RV and Campground Association are examples of successful multi-region and statewide organizations.
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| Q: |
How do I submit an application for a grant?
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| A: |
There is an on-line application available on this website. You will register your organization and begin to fill in the grant application. You will be able to save the application and return to work on it again until you are ready to submit it for Idaho Travel Council review.
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| Q: |
Do I have to discuss my grant with my regional ITC representative?
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| A: |
No, but it is in your best interest to do so. He or she will be able to help you to craft an application that has the best chances of being funded.
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| Q: |
How is the grant application structured?
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| A: |
ITC grants are broken into "elements" which are similar activities like advertising, website, etc. These are the most common elements in a grant:
- Advertising in your target market(s)
- Collateral Materials (visitor guides, rack cards, etc.)
- Website
- Familiarization Tours and Site Visits
- Hospitality Training
- Sponsorships
- Audit
This list is not all-inclusive; you can have other elements, but it is best to discuss this with the grant analyst before submitting your application. |
| Q: |
Are all grants required to have an audit performed?
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| A: |
If a grant is awarded totaling $100,000 or more, an audit is required. The audit shall be performed by a Certified Public Accountant and submitted to Idaho Department of Commerce within 60 days following the close of the grant. At the department's request, an audit may be required even if the grant is less than $100,000.
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| Q: |
How do I find out if my application was funded and the amount?
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| A: |
You will be notified within two weeks of the grant awards which occur at the mid-summer meeting of the Idaho Travel Council.
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| Q: |
Do I need to be at that meeting when grants are awarded?
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| A: |
No. The meetings move around the state, and the Council doesn't expect grantees to travel to the meeting.
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