Nonprofits promoting cultural tourism in Alachua County can apply for funding through a grant opportunity with a $1 million funding pool.  

The Alachua County Board of County Commissioners voted to open the grant on June 27 and also decided to open another $1 million grant that will expand the types of programs that can apply.  

Applications for the cultural tourism grant must be sent by 5 p.m. on Oct. 13. Judges will rate applicants based on community benefit, potential tourism impact, organizational merit and cultural merit.  

You can find the application information here along with further details on the county website. 

Alachua County earned record tourism tax revenue in 2022, reaching $7.7 million.  

County staff told the commission in June that the tourism department had around $4.7 million in reserves from those tax dollars, which must be used to further promote tourism under state law. 

The county has already set aside $1 million to attract the World Masters Athletics in 2025 and decided on the two $1 million grant opportunities, leaving $1.7 million in reserves.