Submitted by the Town of Friday Harbor

The Town of Friday Harbor’s Lodging Tax Advisory Committee is accepting applications through Sept. 28, for grants to fund tourism promotion of events and activities taking place within the town in 2021. Preference will be given to those operations and activities that encourage tourists to visit during the shoulder and winter seasons. Summer activities are acceptable but should be scheduled to avoid what are recognized as high traffic weekends.

The amount of funds available for 2021 grant allocation has not yet been determined due to uncertainties with 2020 lodging tax income and distribution as a result of COVID-19. The Town Council will determine the allocation prior to finalizing the 2021 Annual Budget. Grantees are advised that distribution of 2021 awards may be delayed or suspended if tourism promotion and/or events are prevented due to state or local COVID-19 mandates.

Grants are awarded by the Town Council and are funded with the state’s Hotel Motel Tax collected on all in-town lodging stays of less than 30 days in length. Grant proposals are reviewed by the LTAC which is made up of council members, lodging owners, and community members appointed by the mayor. The town council takes the LTAC’s recommendations under advisement when determining final grant awards.

Interested parties should review the Request for Proposal and complete the LTAC grant application available at Town Hall, 60 Second Street, Friday Harbor, Washington, and at the town web site: www.fridayharbor.org. Applications must be submitted to town hall no later than 4:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 28.