Grants available for tourism projects through Chelan County lodging tax

CHELAN COUNTY — Community organizations, nonprofits, and local groups with ideas to bring more visitors to Chelan County are encouraged to apply now for lodging tax dollars to help fund their projects in 2026.

Each year, the Chelan County Lodging Tax Advisory Committee distributes a portion of what’s also known as the county’s “hotel/motel tax” — a tax collected on overnight stays at hotels, motels, and short-term rentals in the unincorporated areas of the county. That money is earmarked for projects that strengthen the tourism economy and highlight what makes Chelan County unique.

For the 2026 funding cycle, about $221,600 is available. Successful applicants will show how their project can increase tourism or convention activity, extend overnight stays, boost retail sales, or otherwise create a measurable positive impact on the county’s economy.

Your big, fun idea could be the next thing that attracts visitors to our region, and if you land one of these grants, it could be paid for by the very people that will directly benefit from those visitors: The places that rent them rooms when they come.

Applications are available now at the Chelan County website and must be completed and submitted online no later than 5 p.m. on Oct. 10. The committee stresses the importance of starting early. Because the online form cannot be saved mid-way, applicants should read through the entire application first, then gather materials and draft responses in a separate document (like Word or Google Docs) before pasting them into the form.

To give applicants the best chance of success, the committee also reminds groups to submit a detailed budget. Budgets must clearly show both the organization’s own contributions and how county matching funds would be used.

Questions can be directed by email to cm.ltac@co.chelan.wa.us. Complete guidelines and the application portal are posted at co.chelan.wa.us/news/article/2026-lodging-tax-funding-requests-open-aug-29-due-oct-10

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media