The Rolla Chamber of Commerce Destination Rolla grant program was established to provide funding to organizations hosting competitions, conferences, and other events that promote the development and growth of overnight tourism in Rolla, Missouri. The grant is a competitive reimbursement grant awarded to qualified applicants that bring in visitors from outside Rolla (a minimum of 50+ miles), drive business to Rolla lodging establishments, and have a positive economic impact on other businesses and attractions. Grant funding is made possible through an allocation of the City of Rolla Lodging Tax.

2025 Application Timeline: CLOSED

January 7, 2025 – Grant Awards Announced

DESTINATION ROLLA GRANT GUIDELINES

Eligibility:
• Eligible applicants include businesses or organizations planning a clearly defined, tourism-focused event.
• Organizations may receive only one grant per program year.
• Applicants must apply and be approved before the event date; applications for events that have already occurred are ineligible.
• Grant recipients must comply with the application and reporting requirements.

Qualifying Event:
•A single or multiday event capable of attracting visitors from 50+ miles (one way) outside Rolla and retaining them in the area for at least 3 hours.
•Event must be held within 10 miles of the Rolla city limits.
•Event cannot promote any political party or platform.

Grant Funding Amount:
• Minimum award is $250, maximum award is $3000
• One-day events are only eligible for up to $1000, multiday events are eligible for up to $3000.
• The following criteria are taken into account when considering grant amounts:

*Number of days the event is held
*Projected number of participants
*Projected number of hotel stays
*Economic benefit to the Rolla community

Expenses Covered by grant:
• Facility rental
• Equipment rental
• Marketing expenses outside the Rolla area (digital, flyers, banners, posters, radio, TV, etc.)
• Entertainment or guest speakers
• Printing
• Event-related costs for lodging, meals, and receptions provided at no cost to participants
• Complimentary event swag

Pre-event Requirements:
• The organization must designate a main point of contact; this person must have detailed knowledge of the planning and organization of the event.
• The applicant or a representative may be asked to appear before the grant review committee and give a short presentation about the event.
• Applicant must submit a grant application via the online form by the application deadline, with no exceptions.
• Must obtain proper city permits and liquor licenses (if it applies to your event).
• Must have liability insurance for your event.
• Grant recipients must include the VisitRolla logo on appropriate promotional materials and marketing pieces, including items highlighting event sponsors.
• If the event has a website, the VisitRolla logo must also appear on the website with a link to www.visitrolla.com.

Post-event Requirements:
• Grant recipients are required to submit a post-event reimbursement form and copies of paid receipts.
• Reimbursement form must be completed within 30 days of the closing of the event.
• Grant awards will be mailed within 30 days of receiving the completed post-event forms and required documentation.

Grant Application Details
Before filling out the online application, we recommend reviewing the Grant Outline to determine the information required to apply.

Questions:
Call 573-364-3577
Email aimee@rollachamber.org