Lombard seeks applicants for tourism grants

Lombard is seeking grant applications for programs and events that support tourism and promote the village as a destination for visitors.

Interested first-time applicants to the Local Tourism Grant Program are encouraged to submit an application to the village by Dec. 10.

The program was developed through the village's Community Promotion and Tourism Committee and provides funding for local programs and events that encourage overnight visits.

Applicants must be organizations seeking to produce and promote a clearly defined festival, program or convention that attracts visitor stays in Lombard hotels.

The goal is to positively impact the village's vitality by contributing to the local economy through increased hotel occupancy, visitor travel and local expenditures. Groups applying for funds are encouraged to purchase all goods and services used for the event from Lombard businesses.

"We look forward to offering assistance to potential grantees who seek funding for their projects and hope to see new candidates come forward in this grant cycle," said Trustee Mike Fugiel, chairman of the promotion and tourism committee.

The initial deadline for the grant program is Dec. 10. First-time applicants must attend a grant-seekers workshop to receive assistance and guidance. Applications and additional information about the program may be found at www.villageoflombard.org/localtourismgrant.

Programs and organizations approved to receive funding in 2018 include: the Lilac Festival Parade Committee for the Lilac Time Parade; the Glenbard East Boosters for the Lombard Ale Fest; the Lombard Historical Society for the Civil War Re-enactment; the Lombard Firebirds Soccer Club for a regional tournament; the Lilac Princess Program for support of the selection of the Lilac Court, and the Annual Lilac Time Art and Craft Fair; and the Lombard Garden Club for the purchase of a portion of the lilacs for their three-day sale during Lilac Time and the funding of a local scholarship program.

The grant money is generated by overnight stays in hotels through the hotel/motel sales tax and not general fund tax revenues. Hotel/motel tax expenditures are restricted to promotion of tourism and overnight stays.

For more information or to schedule a grant-seekers workshop, contact Assistant Village Manager Nicole Aranas at aranasn@villageoflombard.org.