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Nazareth, Pa., United States

Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Wanted: Grant Applications From NorCo Municipalities and NonProfits

Norco Executive Lamont McClure is inviting county municipalities and nonprofits to apply for grants from a pot of around $400,000 in hotel tax revenue that should be available for distribution this year.  This money is collected from a hotel room rental tax of 4% on hotel guests, to be used for tourism and community development initiatives. Some of the money must go to the tourism bureau, which in turn helps fund Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corp.  But there still is about $400,000 left.

Historically, this money has been awarded to communities and nonprofits that seem to be connected to the right people. Many worthy nonprofits like the Celtic Classic have failed to apply. So it is nice to see Executive McClure make an effort to be more inclusive.

I think we can do better than the DaVinci Science Center's giant ant farm.

Eligible Projects are those that enhance tourism and/or promote community development within Northampton County. Applicants must either be a federally registered non-profit entity (501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4)) or a municipal entity located within Northampton County. In addition, events and activities must occur in Northampton County.

Funding Requests are currently being accepted for projects that will take place in Calendar Year 2019. All projects funded under this announcement must be completed within the 2019 Calendar Year. Grant award announcements are expected to be announced December 2018.

Interested organizations must submit a 2019 Hotel Tax Funding Request using the application form available by visiting the Community and Economic Development section of the Northampton County website: www.northamptoncounty.org. Applicants are required to register with the Northampton County Department of Community and Economic Development's County Relationship Manager (CRM) and submit electronic applications through the web.

The application process is open now. The deadline is set for Friday, June 15, 2018 at 4:00 P.M. The Hotel Tax Grant is distributed at the discretion of County Council, advised by the County Executive who receives recommendations from the Hotel Tax Review Committee.

Program inquiries should be directed to:
Northampton County Department of Community & Economic Development
Tina Smith
610-829-6310
tsmith@northamptoncounty.org

6 comments:

LVcitizen295 said...

This is shocking that Celtic Classic, an organization that does so much with so little and definitely has a tourism impact, has never benefited from such a grant.

Anonymous said...

Don't let pocketbook Peg get her hands on this. She'll give it to the GPA for extra legal costs.

Anonymous said...

^ Or she will by a mess o' bugs for Easton's boondoggle.

Bernie O'Hare said...

"This is shocking that Celtic Classic, an organization that does so much with so little and definitely has a tourism impact, has never benefited from such a grant."

I think it did a few years but also did not a few years bc it is understaffed and forgot to apply.

Anonymous said...

Does Lehigh County have a similiar program or does their dollars go to Discover LV?

Bernie O'Hare said...

LC and NC both send money to DiscoverLV, but the county does keep $ for these kinds of grants. I know a large portion is going to the Iron Pigs for Coca Cola Park.