2027 Edmonds Arts/Culture Tourism Promotion Award Grant

OBJECTIVE: City of Edmonds Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) awards contracts for services to promote cultural/art events/programs that contribute to economic vitality through attracting audience from outside of Edmonds.  This objective is accomplished through funding provided to the Edmonds Arts Commission by the City of Edmonds Lodging Tax Fund per City Council Resolution 630. Generally, no more than $3,000 is awarded to any one organization. Eligible promotional expenses are reimbursable through the grant. Allocations are approved by LTAC and the City Council as part of the annual City budget approval process. 

ELIGIBILITY: 

• Arts/cultural projects/programs/activities presented in 2027 that attract visitors to Edmonds.
• Presented/produced by not-for-profit arts and culture organizations that present programs described in this application within Edmonds city limits and that do not qualify for, or have applied for funding through the general Edmonds LTAC promotion award for 2027 programs.
• Has a marketing plan and budget that includes promotion(s) to attract visitors to Edmonds. Promotion plan includes advertising outside of Edmonds, or distribution of information on activities or events for the purpose of attracting visitors to Edmonds. 
• Applications for promoting membership or other exclusive group will not be considered.

DEADLINE: Applications due Wednesday, June 3, 2026. 

PROCESS:  

1. Applications are reviewed by the Edmonds Arts Commission. 
2. The Arts/Culture grant awards are recommended to the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee for review and inclusion in the 2027 City of Edmonds budget. 
3. Grants are approved by the City Council as part of the City budget approval process. 
4. Applicants are notified by the end of January 2027. 
5. Receipts for qualified promotion expenses are due December 15, 2027. 
6. Award recipients are required to submit a Final Report by January 15, 2028.

PROCEDURE:  Complete the form below. We do not anticipate you will need more space than the amount allowed to answer questions.  New this year: hard copies are no longer accepted. Please use the form below.

QUESTIONS:  Contact Laurie Rose, Cultural Arts Program Specialist, 425-771-0228, or email laurie.rose@edmondswa.gov  

REVIEW CRITERIA The following criteria are used to evaluate the applications:

[20%] Artistic Quality: professional/programming experience exhibited by the group/organization producing/presenting events/programs that can attract a variety of visitors to Edmonds, as well as events/programs that enhance the community’s standing as a center for the arts in south Snohomish County. 

[20%] Marketing Plan: Marketing plan should have a focus on increasing visibility and drawing visitors from outside the local area by showcasing the group/organization’s uniqueness, production/presentation experience, and its place among the arts/cultural offerings available in Edmonds that contribute to what makes a trip worthwhile to the community. Where applicable, highlight collaborations with other groups/organizations/businesses that further leverage the program/presentation as a visitor attraction. 

[20%] Management Experience/Acumen: Demonstration of the group/organization’s ability to complete and evaluate the program successfully—qualifications of event/programming/producing personnel, Board of Director resources, previously successful programming, demonstration of financial management through submitted budget, evaluation techniques.  

[20%] Financial Need: Financial need is reflected in the program/organization budget submitted demonstrating a reasonable ratio of expenses to costs and inclusion of all revenue sources (actual, pledged, or anticipated, such as application for grants not yet awarded). 

[20%] Attendance and Participation: Demonstration of measurable attendance by patrons and participation by artists/presenters. Includes the general public, but particularly those from out of town (approximately 10 to 100 miles, as well as farther away) and including those who may stay overnight in a hotel, vacation rental, or a host home (friends/family).