By Taylor Boyd
The Patrick County Office of Economic Development & Tourism launched the updated Visit Patrick Sponsorship Program, its tourism sponsorship grant application, on Oct. 14.
According to a media release, the program is a reimbursable funding opportunity designed for stakeholders seeking to create programs, projects, or events that attract visitors to Patrick County.
“Each sponsorship will aim to foster partnerships between local tourism stakeholders, encouraging individuals to create experiences that elevate community presence and support the local economy,” the release states.
Priority will be given to applicants who can demonstrate how their initiative will increase visitation and exposure of Patrick County through promotional efforts. Only one sponsorship grant per year will be allocated to the same project.
However, Tourism Manager Grace Cooper said organizations hosting multiple, distinct events may submit separate applications for each event.
“Of course, every application will be evaluated to determine funding. As long as it’s for separate projects, they can submit applications even if it’s from the same group,” she said.
Sponsorships are awarded on a yearly basis and should not be considered an ongoing source of funding. Applications are open for projects, events, and programs scheduled between Jan. 1 and June 30. The deadline to apply is Friday, Nov. 7.
Cooper said the revamped grant application will give the county more flexibility to market the program and hold workshops to guide applicants through the process.
“We’re really hopeful this will streamline our application process and encourage new event planners and nonprofits to submit applications. This new program will be biannual, so we’ll have a grant cycle twice a year,” she said.
Previously, the grant was offered once a year, most recently on a rolling basis. For fiscal year 2025, more than $80,000 was awarded to 12 applicants for 20 events. This cycle has $20,000 available, with recipients announced in December. The next cycle for the second half of 2026 will be announced in March.
The application and related paperwork, including a final report and reimbursement request form, are available on the Patrick County Tourism Advisory Council (TAC) page at www.co.patrick.va.us/198/Tourism-Advisory-Council.
Two applicant workshops will be held Tuesday, Oct. 29, at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. in the community room of the Patrick & Henry Community College Stuart site.
For more information, contact the Tourism Office at (276) 693-2005 or Cooper at gcooper@co.patrick.va.us.
