bws #267 01/10
TOURISM GRANTS AVAILABLE
TOMS RIVER – Freeholder Joseph H. Vicari has announced that applications for the popular annual Ocean County Tourism
Promotional Matching Grants program are now available. The grants are part of the freeholders’ economic stimulus program to
help nonprofit not only raise money but also promote tourism in the county.
Over the years, nonprofit organizations and local business groups have used the funds to leverage expenditures by Ocean
County tourists into fund raising dollars for worthy local causes by promoting activities of interest to tourists.
The grants are available to nonprofit 501 (c) nonprofit organizations, business organizations and municipal governments
for activities that promote tourism in Ocean County. They are evaluated on a point system, which is explained in the
application rules. Awards are subject to final approval in the 2010 county budget.
Applications are available from the Ocean County Public Affairs Department on line at
http://www.co.ocean.nj.us/PDFs/TourismMatchGrantForm.pdf or by calling 732-929-2000 or 1-800-722-0291, ext. 2000.
An original and four copies must be submitted to the Public Affairs Department at 101 Hooper Ave. no later than Jan. 29
by 5 p.m. Electronic applications will not be accepted.
Freeholder Vicari said that in 2009, 55 grants totaling $59,900 and ranging from $500 to $1,700 were awarded.
Organizations must match the grants dollar for dollar. The minimum grant is for $500, which means that the organization
must have at least a $1,000 promotional budget. Appropriate activities include advertising, signage, brochures and
websites. They cannot be used for operational costs such as salaries nor for items such as fireworks, postage, general
newsletters to members or advertising journals.
Freeholder Vicari said, “Each year hundreds of thousands of tourists come to Ocean County. Promoting quality activities,
events and venues sponsored by nonprofits encourages the visitors to come to spend their leisure dollars in support of
our tourism economy at restaurants, accommodations and attractions. The icing on the cake is that they support these
meritorious organizations as well.”
