Event Grant Program

New Events

For new events in Sebring/Highlands County, which have not been held previously in Highlands County, with plans to be a re-occurring event that will increase outside-of-county attendees each year during April-December.

Criteria:

• Plan: A business plan outlining how the re-occurring event will increase outside-of-county attendees each year
• Duration: A minimum two-day event with overnight (either night or early morning) component
• Maximum funding: Year 1 — Maximum funding for year #1 only: $20,000 based on scoring; no room night verifications. Opportunity for an additional $20/room night reimbursement based on verified rooms.   Years #2 and #3 – ear #2 & #3: $10,000 based on scoring; no room night verifications. Opportunity for an additional $20/room night reimbursement based on verified rooms.
• Growth: Event must prove growth in attendance and overnight rooms each year.
• Application period: Quarterly at TDC meetings; application must be approved by TDC no later than 6 months before event.
• Funding: Can be via grant or TDC can pay directly for marketing, entertainment, facility rental, A/V equipment rental, TDC staff approved attendee shirts/promotional items, MOT fees, etc.
• Special consideration: If a request exceeds the maximum threshold, the event organizer must meet with TDC staff and explain the request.  If TDC staff deems the request appropriate, they can recommend placement of the request on the TDC agenda for special consideration.
• Meeting: Event organizer must meet with TDC staff (either in person or via phone) and discuss the event and their financial request.

Special Events / Group Meetings or Conferences

For special events or conferences staged in Sebring/Highlands County during April-December that attract overnight visitors; encourage increased visitor spending in destination; reinforce a positive image of the Sebring area; amplify the experience economy; leverage and promote the Sebring brand; and provide added value to the visitor experience.

Criteria:

• Minimum room verifications: Verified room night minimum: At least 50
• Special considerations: Exceptions can be made for January events with room nights verified on weekdays
• Maximum funding: $10,000 based on $20/verified room night
• Application period: Quarterly at TDC meetings; application must be approved by TDC at least 6 months before event.
• Eligible uses for funds: Grant funds can assist with marketing, entertainment (for events open to the public; not for conference attendees only), facility rental, A/V equipment rental, in-county group transportation/tours, etc.
• Excluded events:  Not applicable for exclusive events such as weddings, family reunions, class reunions, etc.

TDC Event Support Without a Grant

Some events attract large numbers of day visitors with little to no overnight room night stays. These events have a positive effect in contributing to the vitality of the Sebring area and attraction of potential tourists. Therefore, the TDC may support these events, at the discretion of TDC staff, that are open to the public through non‐grant/non-monetary avenues, such as:

• Collateral fulfillment of area tourism information
• Visit Sebring promotional branded material fulfillment
• Request for Proposal (RFP) distribution
• Public relations support
• Photo/video support
• Social media/calendar/website listing
• Referrals to County/City departments
• Research data collection
• Consultation to grow events to attract overnight visitors

Sport Facility Improvement Grant Program

The primary objective of this program is to assist in the development and improvement of existing sports facilities within Highlands County. The grant supports projects that enhance the capacity to host sporting events, thereby increasing the potential for economic impact within Highlands County through sports tourism.

Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations, for profit organizations, municipalities and/or other entities that manage sports facilities located in Highlands County.

Eligible facilities are those that could, with the appropriate enhancements, become “tournament friendly” or an “anchor facility” pursuant to the Highlands County Venue Inventory & Analysis included in Huddle Up Group’s Sports Tourism Facility Audit (2023) for Highlands County. Eligible facilities must also demonstrate a current tourism market for sport tourism events, which includes currently hosting at least one tourism-driving event in the past three years.

Eligible projects must first develop a strategic or long-term plan for the facility that includes tourism goals and objectives. The plan must demonstrate a clear benefit to the tourism community, such as the ability to attract new sports tourism events, increase participation in current sport tourism events or  improve the overall quality of the facility for visitors to Highlands County.

The sports tourism facility grant process consists of two parts:

• Strategic Plan Development – Applicants must first apply for and be granted TDC matching funds to develop a strategic or long-term plan for the existing sports facility. The grant will provide a seventy-five percent (75%), up to $22,500.00, reimbursable match for completion of the facility strategic plan.
• Facility Enhancements for Sports Tourism – After the planning phase is completed, the applicant must present the completed plan and recommendations to the TDC. The presentation must include study findings and recommendations regarding proposed facility improvements for attracting new sports tourism events and the economic impact of those events. The presentation must also include a facility management plan, marketing plan and proposed schedule for renovations along with a proposed budget. As part of the presentation, the applicant may request funding from the TDC for the facility enhancements.