Tourism Marketing Grants Available for Nonprofits in Cortland County, New York

Published on January 8, 2026

Cortland County is also promoting its tourism industry by launching the 2026 Tourism Marketing Grant Program. The grant program was made known on 8th Jan 2026. The 2026 Tourism Marketing Grant Program is providing eligible 501(c)(3) organizations in Cortland County with grant awards totaling $260,000 to improve the marketing activities of tourism-related 501(c)(3) organizations in Cortland County to attract visitors, boost tourism spending in Cortland County, and further grow Cortland County’s thriving tourism industry.

Because tourism is a large source of economic benefit for the county each year, this grant program is working to capitalize on this by increasing the events that come to the area and increase tourism in Cortland County. The tourism-related grants are intended to increase stays in the area, improve the culture offered to visitors, and increase local businesses.

The Impact of Tourism on Cortland County’s Economy
Tourism plays a critical role in the economy of Cortland County, and the 2026 Tourism Marketing Grant Program is designed to leverage this industry to support local growth. In 2024, tourism spending in the county reached an impressive $104.8 million, which helped support over 1,500 local jobs. Additionally, visitor activity generated $11.6 million in state and local tax revenue, a significant contribution to the region’s economy.

Michelle Enright, Executive Director of the Cortland County Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), expressed the importance of these grants for local nonprofit tourism organizations. “Tourism is a real economic driver in Cortland County, and these grants help our local nonprofit tourism organizations do the external marketing that brings visitors here,” Enright explained. The funding will allow local organizations to amplify their marketing efforts, increasing awareness and driving tourism to the area, which in turn helps local businesses and boosts the occupancy tax revenue reinvested back into tourism efforts.

How the Grant Program Works
The Cortland County Tourism Marketing Grant Program is open to tourism-related 501(c)(3) organizations that are focused on attracting visitors to the county. The grant funding comes from the county’s 5% occupancy tax on overnight lodging stays, which directly supports initiatives that benefit tourism and cultural activities in the region.

The grant program prioritizes projects and initiatives that have the potential to generate multi-day or overnight visits to Cortland County. This includes festivals, exhibitions, conventions, consumer shows, and cultural events, all of which bring visitors into the county, encouraging them to stay longer and explore more of what the area has to offer. Additionally, the program supports activities that attract attendees from outside the county, further broadening the reach of local events and initiatives.

By funding these marketing efforts, the program aims to increase tourism spending, create additional jobs, and enhance the local economy. In turn, the goal is to establish Cortland County as a thriving destination for both in-state and out-of-state visitors, contributing to the long-term sustainability of the local tourism industry.

Grant Application Details: How to Apply
Eligible applicants for the 2026 Tourism Marketing Grant must be duly incorporated tourism-related nonprofit organizations recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3). These organizations can submit their grant applications until 5 p.m. on Friday, January 30, 2026. To apply, organizations must submit a complete application packet that includes all required supporting documentation.

The application forms can be obtained in person at the Cortland County Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) office or by requesting them via email. Applications can be submitted in one of two ways: by email to Michelle Enright or delivered by mail or drop-off to the Cortland County CVB at 42 Main Street, Cortland, NY 13045.

The grant program is designed to encourage a diverse range of tourism initiatives, from cultural celebrations to major conferences, all aimed at promoting the county as a vibrant tourism hub. These funds will directly benefit local tourism organizations that work to bring in more visitors, create jobs, and generate additional income for businesses across Cortland County.

Enhancing the Local Tourism Experience
One of the primary objectives of the grant program is to help organizations highlight the county’s unique tourism experiences and build its reputation as a destination for visitors. Cortland County offers a variety of attractions, including outdoor recreation, cultural events, and local festivals, all of which provide a unique experience for travelers.

Tourists visiting the region can explore the scenic beauty of Cortland County, enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, boating, and fishing, or engage in cultural experiences like visiting museums, attending music festivals, or sampling local cuisine. By supporting marketing initiatives that promote these attractions, the tourism grant program is contributing to the creation of a stronger and more sustainable tourism sector in the county.

Supporting Local Businesses Through Tourism Growth
The increased marketing capacity provided by the grant program will have a ripple effect across the local economy. As more visitors come to Cortland County, local businesses such as hotels, restaurants, shops, and transportation providers will see increased demand. The tourism sector’s growth creates a thriving ecosystem where local businesses can thrive and offer their goods and services to a broader audience.

Additionally, with more tourists spending money on accommodation, food, and entertainment, local governments benefit from increased occupancy tax revenue, which can be reinvested into further tourism initiatives. This creates a positive feedback loop that helps the region continue to develop its tourism infrastructure and promote Cortland County as a must-visit destination.

A Bright Future for Cortland County’s Tourism Industry

The 2026 Cortland County Tourism Marketing Grant Program represents a significant initiative that continues to enhance the tourism sector in the region. Through its efforts at promoting multi-day stays, foreign visitation, and events, Cortland County seeks to become one of the most popular vacation spots in the state of New York. Through its efforts at bringing together tourism entities and equipping them with resources for enhancing their marketing efforts, Cortland County continues to inch closer towards success with regard to its development as a tourism-driven economy.

Additionally, with the grant program, the county will be able to continue enhancing its special tourism products and ensure a viable tourism industry for the benefit of both the visiting public and businesses. The grant program is a great opportunity for an organization looking to increase its impact in 2026.