Naples, FL – The Naples, Marco Island, Everglades CVB is pleased to announce the FY 2023-2024 arts and culture grant awards applications will open on Monday, January 23, 2023, at 9 a.m. (EST) and close on Friday, March 24, 2023, at 5 p.m. (EST). Grant monies will be awarded to local arts and culture organizations that meet the eligibility requirements. According to the last Arts and Economic Prosperity Study completed by Americans for the Arts, over 9,200 jobs are in the cultural sector in Collier County. The nonprofit arts and culture industry is a portion of that sector and accounts for almost 3,000 jobs, generating an economic impact of $107.7 million.
The grants are funded through Tourist Development Tax (TDT) collections and approved by the Collier County Board of Commissioners and the Tourist Development Council. Projects that can be funded need to occur between Oct.1, 2023 – Sept. 30, 2024. Projects must promote tourism and funding is available for out-of-region marketing campaigns with limited support for exhibitions, events, and productions by cultural organizations.
Organizations may apply for a grant in one of these two categories:
- “C-2” Non-County Owned and Operated Museums
- “B” Marketing Grants
Grant applications, guidelines, training sessions, and a link to the new online grant application portal can be found at the Naples, Marco Island, Everglades website.
“I am excited to announce that our FY 2023-2024 grant awards open on Monday, January 23rd. Our arts and cultural institutions and programs are a vital asset to our community, not only for the educational and entertainment components they provide, but also for the economic impact they bring to the County. Last year we awarded $950,000 to our local arts and cultural organizations,” said John Melleky, Arts and Culture Manager for the Naples, Marco Island, Everglades CVB. “Elevating the visitor experience is key to increasing visitation and awareness for our destination. Our arts and cultural offerings truly raise the bar and speak to the authentic and unique experiences the discerning traveler is looking for, which truly sets Florida’s Paradise Coast apart from other destinations.”
About Florida’s Paradise Coast
The Naples, Marco Island, Everglades Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) is the official source for area travel and tourism information about Florida’s Paradise Coast. Located in Southwest Florida, this premier vacation and meeting destination offers leisure and business travelers a variety of exceptional year-round amenities and attractions. Set along a 30-mile Gulf of Mexico coastline ribboned with white-sand beaches, visitors will discover a sophisticated, yet casual atmosphere highlighted by a lively social scene, robust arts and culture activities, exceptional restaurants, luxury boutique shopping and plenty of outdoor adventure experiences. Home to over 90 public and private golf courses, sports enthusiasts have access to a variety of championship courses; pickleball and tennis facilities; and water activities ranging from kayaking to sailing charters. Outdoor adventures include exploring the world-famous Everglades – the only sub-tropical mangrove wilderness in the U.S. and home to endangered wildlife and over 350 species of birds. Florida’s Paradise Coast is truly where the high life meets the wildlife. Recent accolades include being named the No. 1 “Best Beach Town in the U.S. to Live In,” No. 1 “Healthiest and Happiest City in America” and “One of the Best Small Cities in the U.S.” Located just two hours from Miami, three hours from Tampa, and four hours from Orlando, Florida’s Paradise Coast is easily accessible by Interstate highway. Travelers outside of the Sunshine State can fly into Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), Punta Gorda (PGD), Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and Miami (MIA). For more information about Florida’s Paradise Coast, call 800-688-3600, visit ParadiseCoast.com, and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook.
