(Joplin, MO) – The Joplin Convention & Visitors Bureau (JCVB) has announced that the guidelines and application for their Fiscal Year 2027 Event Marketing Grants are now available. These grants are designed to expand the marketing reach of local events and attractions, with the aim of increasing the number of visitors to Joplin.
Grants must be completed, along with all supporting documentation, and returned to the JCVB no later than 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 1.
Eligibility requirements, guidelines, and the application are available on the Joplin Convention & Visitors Bureau’s website, at the JCVB office (602 S. Main Street, first floor of City Hall), or by calling Patrick Tuttle at 417.625.4789.
Through its fiscal year budget, the JCVB allocates $110,000 for its grant programs. The JCVB Advisory Board will meet in July to determine how the FY27 funds will be distributed. During the board’s review, applicants will be invited to make a short presentation detailing their marketing plans/needs in support of their application. The Advisory Board forwards their recommendations to the Joplin City Council for final approval and adoption into next year’s budget.
Events can submit a request for up to twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000). Per Patrick Tuttle, JCVB Director, “The best use of these funds, by either an event or an attraction, is to expand their marketing reach into markets they may not otherwise be able to reach.” Tuttle concluded, “Whether for an event or attraction, the stronger applicants will be those who show the ability to attract visitors from 70+ miles (one-way) outside of Joplin and generate an overnight stay or retain a visitor in the area for 3 hours or greater.”
Mandatory Pre-Application Meeting
Whether an organization has applied for or received a JCVB grant in the past, every organization submitting a grant application must attend one mandatory Pre-Application Meeting. This will give the organization insight into the JCVB’s efforts to promote Joplin as a tourism destination and explain changes made to this year’s grant program.
These meetings will be held on Thursday, April 9 at 10:00 am or on Wednesday, May 8 at 2:00 pm.
Grant Program History
On November 7, 2000, the voters of Joplin approved a 2% increase in the gross receipts tax on hotel and motel lodging accommodations. Council Bill No. 2000-048 directs the JCVB Advisory Board to establish a procedure for annually recommending to the City Manager and City Council the appropriation of these funds. In recommending the utilization of these funds, the Advisory Board shall consider their most effective use for marketing sports events, entryway beautification, special events, festivals, celebrations, and other related activities in Joplin designed to promote the city and its features as a destination for outside visitors and tourists.
The City Council shall, after a public hearing held prior to the adoption of the budget, adopt an ordinance to allocate funds among qualifying applicants. Final allocation will be based on the Council’s determination of the most effective use of funds to promote tourism, conventions, and related activities in Joplin.
Grant Application Guidelines
Learn more about the grant application guidelines here.
Reference:
Patrick Tuttle, Director
Joplin Convention and Visitors Bureau
417.625.4789
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