Sponsorship & Event Grants
Introduction to the Twentynine Palms TBID Sponsorship and Event Grant Program
The Twentynine Palms Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID), established in October 2017 and branded as Visit 29 Palms, is a collaborative initiative between the City of Twentynine Palms and its lodging community. The Twentynine Palms TBID Sponsorships and Event Grants are funded by a 1.5% tax on lodging, and are designed to enhance the city's appeal as a tourist destination. Focused on increasing overnight stays, the program encourages the development of innovative tourism products, elevates the city’s brand, fosters industry collaboration, and targets key travel segments, all while emphasizing the five key destination pillars: Outdoor Recreation; Arts, Culture and History; Health and Wellness; Culinary Experiences; and Astronomy.
The Sponsorship and Event Grant Program offers two distinct opportunities for fostering tourism. Event Grants are specifically designed to support the establishment of new events that attract tourists to the area. In contrast, Sponsorships focus on backing existing, ongoing events within the Morongo Basin. Through these sponsorships, the Twentynine Palms TBID helps sustain and grow these established events, ensuring they continue to contribute to the area's vibrant and diverse tourist offerings.
Sponsorship and Event Grant Guidelines
Twentynine Palms TBID Sponsorship and Event Grant Guidelines
Fiscal Year and Budget for the Twentynine Palms TBID Sponsorship and Event Grant Program
The fiscal year for the Twentynine Palms TBID spans from October 1st through September 30th. These funds are made available through the support of the Twentynine Palms TBID lodging partners. For every occupied room night, guests are assessed a 1.5% fee that is returned to the Twentynine Palms TBID to aid in tourism, promotion and marketing within the district. The distribution of these funds follows a general guideline, with 80% directed towards Event Grants and 20% for Sponsorships.
Sponsorship and Event Grant Funding Details
Sponsorships: Ranging from $100 to $3,000 per event, sponsorships support smaller scale projects or initiatives, aligning with the Twentynine Palms TBID's goals and the five key destination pillars.
Event Grants: Event grants are available from $3,000 to $20,000, catering to larger events with significant potential to boost tourism and overnight stays during the non-peak season (May through September).
Funding Release: For sponsorships, funds are released once the application is approved and agreements are signed. For event grant recipients, 75% of the funding is disbursed once agreements are signed, 25% contingent upon completing all requirements, including a comprehensive post-event report detailing economic impact, adherence to marketing strategies, and overall success metrics.
Application Deadlines and Review Process
2024 Deadlines:
- A special deadline of February 15, 2024 is set for events happening between March 1 - June 30, 2024.
- Apply by April 1, 2024 for events happening between July 1 - December 31, 2024.
2025 Deadlines:
- Apply by October 1, 2024 for events happening between January 1 - June 30, 2025.
- Apply by April 1, 2025 for events happening between July 1 - December 31, 2025.
Open call for volunteers to join the Event Grant Review Subcommittee
As part of the Twentynine Palms TBID's Sponsorship and Event Grant Program guidelines, the initial review of event grant applications will be conducted by a five-member review subcommittee composed of community volunteers, and including up to two TBID advisory board members.
For the inaugural review committee, we are inviting volunteers to apply by February 15, 2024. Following this initial phase, the Twentynine Palms TBID will regularly open a call for volunteers with a deadline of September 1st in subsequent years. Those interested in volunteering are encouraged to apply online by this date each year. Submit your application today!
