Purpose
The Tourism Marketing Initiative Grant Program is a cultural tourism partnership project funded by Visit Lake Charles (CVB) and administered by the Arts & Humanities Council of SWLA. Marketing Initiative Grants are intended to enhance the promotion and marketing of our rich cultural programming in Calcasieu Parish.
Marketing Initiative Grants Must:
(a) Provide for the growth of cultural tourism in Calcasieu Parish
(b) Improve the overall cultural atmosphere and quality of life for the citizens of Calcasieu Parish
(c) Provide for the stabilization of arts and humanities organizations through increased audience attendance and community participation in projects.
Timeline for fiscal year 2025 (Current Grant Cycle)
Applications & Guidelines Become Available Online
Grant Applications Due
Due via email to ericab@artscouncilswla.org
Grant Panel Review Session
Date subject to change
Grant Activity Begins
Grant Activity Ends
Final Report Deadline
Hard deadline for submitting final reports OR 30 days after project ends, whichever comes first
FAQ
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Questions?
Who is Eligible to apply?
All applicants must be domiciled within Calcasieu Parish.
What type of grant is available?
Eligible organizations may apply for one marketing assistance grant for a specific arts project. Applicants may submit one request of a minimum of $500 and not to exceed $2,000 per year. A dollar-for-dollar cash match from non-governmental sources is required for those projects that are income producing. Projects that are non-income producing may substitute the cash match requirement with documented in-kind services equal to the amount of the grant request.
How are funding decisions made?
After the April 1, 2025, deadline, deadline, the Arts Council determines that the applicant and the proposal are eligible for funding, and that the application complies with grant guidelines. Two to three weeks later, eligible applications will be reviewed by the Arts Council and CVB grant allocation panel with respect to the published evaluation criteria. Panel recommendations will then be submitted to the Arts Council board of directors for final approval.
Documents for the Fiscal Year 2025 (Current Grant Cycle)
Final Reports for Fiscal Year 2025 (Current Grant Cycle)
Timeline for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 (Previous Grant Cycle)
April 1, 2024 – Applications and Guidelines became available online.
May 3, 2024 – Grant Applications were due
May 17, 2024 – Grant Panel Review Session held
June 15, 2024 – Grant Activity Period Began
June 14, 2025 – Grant Activity Ends.
July 31, 2025 – Hard Deadline for submitting final reports or 30 days after project ends, whichever comes first.