Virginia Sports Tourism Grant Program (October 31, 2025)
Summary
A memorandum dated October 31, 2025 from the Virginia Tourism Authority, doing business as the Virginia Tourism Corporation, to the Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance and Appropriations and the Chair of the House Committee on Appropriations, regarding the Virginia Sports Tourism Grant Program established under § 2.2-2320.3 of the Code of Virginia. The memo reports on recommended program guidelines developed with an advisory work group. Attached draft documents are Exhibit A (application guidelines), Exhibit B (application and terms and conditions), Exhibit C (score sheet) and Exhibit D (post event report). The guidelines list eligible applicants and qualifying criteria, including a 1:1 cash match requirement, and suggested grant sizes from $10,000 to $100,000.
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“Virginia Sports Tourism Grant Program (October 31, 2025).”
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To: Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance and Appropriations
Chair of the House Committee on Appropriations
From: Virginia Tourism Authority dba Virginia Tourism Corporation
Date: October 31, 2025
RE: Virginia Sports Tourism Grant Program
The Virginia Tourism Authority (VTA) is pleased to submit the following report pertaining to the
development of the recommended guidelines for the Virginia Sports Tourism Grant Program established
under § 2.2-2320.3 of the Code of Virginia. The Program is intended to provide grants to develop and
attract sports tourism activities to the Commonwealth. Over the past few months, VTA, in collaboration
with an advisory work group comprised of representatives from major sporting venues, local sports
authorities or departments, and the hospitality industry, has developed comprehensive program
guidelines, an application with terms and conditions, a scoring sheet, and a post-event report
document.
The work group consisted of the following individuals,
Name Organization Region
Matt Bolas Explore Bristol Blue Ridge (SWVA)
Jim Rafferty Glory Days Grill NOVA, Shenandoah, Central
Samantha Snead Hampton Roads Convention Center Coastal
Dennis Bickmeier Henrico Sports & Entertainment Auth Central
Torye Hurst Visit Loudoun NOVA
Andrew Marks Lynchburg Econ Dev & Tourism Central
Tim Miller Pulaski Co. Sports Tourism Authority Blue Ridge (SWVA)
Danny Bonifas Richmond Region Tourism Central
John Shaner Salem Parks & Recreation Mountain Region
Nicole Cox Shamin Hotels Central, Coastal, Southern, Mountain
Nancy Helman VA Beach Convention & Visitor Bureau Coastal
VTA and the work group met four times between August and October. The group developed program
guidelines, criteria, and the application (see attached) for the sports tourism grant program. The Virginia
Sports Tourism Grant Program (VSTGP) Guidelines Document (Exhibit A) outlines the program, eligible
applicants, the criteria for qualifying and guidelines. The VSTGP Application and Terms & Conditions
Document (Exhibit B) includes the questions that will be required in the online application portal, the
terms and conditions required to receive award funds and a requirement to sign the agreement. The
VSTGP Score Sheet Document (Exhibit C) is an internal document that VTC staff will use to score each
application based on the criteria outlined. And the VSTGP Post Event Report Document (Exhibit D) is the
document for each applicant to use to show the results after hosting the event.
These documents are subject to change based on specific Appropriation Act language should funding be
approved in the future for this grant program.
1
DRAFT – Exhibit A
Virginia Sports Tourism Grant Program
Application Guidelines
PURPOSE:
The Virginia Sports Tourism Grant Program is administered by the Virginia Tourism
Corporation. The purpose of the program is to provide grants to bring high quality
youth, amateur, collegiate and select other sporting events which will bring a
positive economic impact to the Commonwealth.
The Virginia Sports Tourism Grant Program is established in the Code of Virginia §
2.2-2320.3.
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS: (Must be based in Virginia)
• Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs/CVBs or Chamber of Commerce)
• Nonprofit sports support organization – 501 (c)
• Sports Venues – i.e. convention center, event venue, sports venue, hotel with
sports venue.
• City, Town or County local government agency or department – i.e. parks &
recreation department
• Sports Commissions and Sports Authorities
QUALIFING CRITERIA FOR FUNDING:
• Event must be held in Virginia.
• Youth, amateur, collegiate and select other competitive sporting events or
tournaments only.
• Must be a competitively bid sports tournament or event.
• Must bring a majority (51% or more) of athletes/participants from outside the
state.
• Minimum size of the event must be 100+ athletes/participants.
• Event must be multi-day. Single day events will be considered if they bring at
least 75% of athletes/spectators from outside of the state.
• Event must take place within 3 years of the date of application.
• Application must be submitted 120 days or more before the first day of the
event.
• There is a 1:1 cash match requirement.
VTC Virginia Sports Tourism Grant Program Guidelines
2
• For multi-year contracted events, applicants must apply for funding each year.
• Event organizer must have at least a 2-year established event management
history
• Applicants must enter into a performance agreement with VTC which will
include provisions for disbursement, use of funds and reporting
responsibilities. Awards may be reduced based on performance.
GENERAL AWARD GUIDELINES:
Submitted applications will be evaluated on the following factors:
• Event must show a positive return to the Commonwealth as measured by
Direct State Revenues for the amount sought in grant funding.
• Events will be scored based on the projected return to the Commonwealth as
measured by Direct State Revenues, for the amount sought in grant funding.
Suggested Event Size Guidelines for Sample Grant Amounts
Recommended Recommended Recommended Recommended
Grant Size Total Attendance Overnight Hotel Room nights
Attendance
$10,000 1,500 800 600
$25,000 3,800 1,900 1,400
$50,000 7,700 3,800 2,800
$75,000 11,500 5,800 4,200
$100,000 15,300 7,700 5,600
NOTE: Lesser or larger amounts may be awarded.
• The above guidelines are suggested amounts to help right-size the amount
requested relative to size of your event.
• Amounts ultimately awarded through the Grant Program will differ and will
depend on the eligibility of reimbursable items, as well as the financial return
to the Commonwealth through projected state revenues.
• Your event is not required to exceed all the above three guidelines. As these
are only guidelines, your event should fall within the vicinity of one or more of
the guidelines; either (1) total attendance, (2) overnight attendance, or (3) hotel
room nights.
• Different events might qualify in different ways across the three metrics
depending on the length or type of the event. All the below examples would
be sufficient, provided the application is complete, the items to be reimbursed
are eligible, and there is a financial return to the Commonwealth for the
amount applied for:
o A shorter event of only one overnight might meet the overnight
attendance threshold but not the room nights threshold.
VTC Virginia Sports Tourism Grant Program Guidelines
3
o An event with many spectators compared to participants might qualify
on total attendance but not hotel room nights.
o A longer event might not meet the total attendance threshold but
might exceed the room nights threshold for a given amount.
ELIGIBLE EXPENSES: (FOR REIMBURSEMENT & MATCHING FUNDS)
Below are the only eligible expenses, anything not listed will be
considered ineligible and will not be funded.
• Site/venue rental usage fees (venues are ineligible for reimbursement for this
expense)
• Rights / Sanction / Bid Fees (only for successful bids awarded to the
destination)
• Rental of equipment - furniture, fixtures and AV (i.e. portable toilets, fencing,
sport court flooring, stage, chairs, tables, speakers, tv’s, golf carts, scoreboards
etc.)
• Shuttling cost for event (athletes, staff and spectators)
• Contracted and Invoiced Event Services Staff Wages – (i.e. officials, referee,
timing, scoring, third party staffing and athletic trainers)
• Event-specific signage & printed marketing materials
• Event production and technical rental expenses (i.e. sound and light techs)
• Equipment rental and production cost of live streaming
• Wifi/internet service cost for sports facility or wherever the event is taking
place
• Catered meals for athletes/event staff provided by the event organizer or host
(no individual meals or alcohol)
FUNDING AWARD & REPORTING GUIDELINES:
• Funding will be reimbursed to applicant after the event has taken place and a
post event report is submitted to VTC.
• A post event report and receipts must be submitted together within 90 days
following the conclusion of the event. Failure to do so will result in funding
award being null and void.
Post event reporting requirements:
• Proof of the event taking place i.e. website with competition results, photos of
the event etc.
• Actual event data with number of participants, spectators and updated
economic impact.
• Receipts for eligible expenses
VTC Virginia Sports Tourism Grant Program Guidelines
4
• Your reimbursement may be reduced and is contingent based on meeting
performance metrics.
• All receipts, proof of the event taking place, event data and post event report
must be submitted at the same time.
IMPORTANT DEADLINE INFORMATION:
NOTE: Specific dates and application window will be included once
funding is secured and we know the timeline better.
• A copy of the signed contract (Venue, host organization or hotel) must be sent
to VTC within 180 days of application submission and at least 30 days prior to
event start date.
• Reimbursement request must be made no later than 90 days after the last
day of the event.
Applications will be accepted twice a year, TBD based on funding
timeline, approximately November 1 - December 15 and May 1 - June 15.
Awards will be announced within 30-45 days after the application
deadline.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION TO NOTE BEFORE APPLYING:
• State/Federal agencies are not eligible to apply for this funding.
• Applicants must be Virginia based. Out-of-state entities will not receive funds.
• Only one application will be approved for an event. DMO and venue can’t
apply for the same event.
• Applicants cannot apply for another VTC Grant to cover the same event,
except for the Marketing Leverage Program (MLP),
• Applicants who are not DMO’s/CVB’s need to provide a letter of support from
their local DMO/CVB.
• Only online submissions will be accepted.
• Applicants can submit documentation for application approval prior to
contracting; however, applicants will not receive funds until after the event
and a copy of the contract and proof of payment (s) are submitted.
• Please do NOT send – via regular mail – any attachments or supplemental
materials must be submitted through the proper VTC directed channels.
• A copy of the RFP/Bid must be included in the application.
• VTC reserves the right to request permission to take photo/video content at
the event for marketing purposes.
• If signage is reimbursed by the grant, then you are required to include Virginia
is for Sports Lovers logo on signage during event.
VTC Virginia Sports Tourism Grant Program Guidelines
5
• Applicants MUST notify VTC immediately if the event is not going to be
confirmed and contracted in Virginia.
• Applicants MUST notify VTC immediately if the contracted event is canceled,
rescheduled or downsized.
• Events canceled due to weather or public safety issues will be considered on a
case-by-case basis for reimbursement.
• No more than 50% will be awarded to one GO VIRGINIA region per application
round.
• Up to 10% of the funds may be reserved for the bottom 20% of localities
measured by visitor spending.
VTC Virginia Sports Tourism Grant Program Guidelines
1
DRAFT – Exhibit B
Virginia Sports Tourism Grant Program Application
– FOR REFERENCE ONLY – YOU MUST APPLY ONLINE VIA THE PORTAL (Provide all the
attachments at the end of the application)
*Indicates required field
Applicant Information:
Entity Name*
Doing Business As (if different)
Tax ID*
Other W-9 Info*
Entity Type (city, county, authority, venue, DMO etc.)*
County*
Region*
Street Address*
City*
Zip Code*
Primary Contact's First Name*
Primary Contact's Last Name*
Work Phone*
Mobile Phone
Email Address*
Secondary Contact's First Name
Secondary Contact's Last Name
Secondary Contact Phone Number
Secondary Email Address
Attach PDF of current W-9 form* (attach at the end of application)
VTC Virginia Sports Tourism Grant Program Application, Agreement and Terms & Conditions
2
Total Application Funding Requested*: $[ ]
Total Local Host Event Funding Investment Amount (must be same or greater than
funding requested*): $[ ]
NOTE: Applicants can apply before contracting for the event. Applicants MUST submit a
copy of the RFP with the application. See guidelines for more information and deadlines.
Is the tournament or event contracted*? (yes or no) (If yes, applicants MUST attached the
contract)
Attach a copy of the RFP/Bid document and event contract, if contracted.
Attach a Letter of Support from your DMO (not needed for DMO applications): (attach at
the end of application)
Is there another co-host providing a financial commitment for this event? YES or NO
If so, attach a letter outlining their financial commitment to the event. Co-host must be an
eligible applicant type as outlined in the program guidelines. (attach at the end of
application)
Sporting Event/Tournament Name*:
Organization/Rights Holder Name*:
Type of Event (Youth Amateur, Adult Amateur, Collegiate, Professional, Championships)*:
Is this an elimination event*:
Type of Sport()*:
Event Dates*:
Event Description/Overview*:
Location/Venue Name*:
Sports Visitor Calculation Method – Pick one – Participant Based, Direct Entry or Admission
Based. All methods are equal, please provide the total number of visitors during the event
(3 day event with 8,000 visitors = 8,000 visitors not 24,000 visitors), longer events can be
reflected in room nights and length of stay.
(METHOD 1) Participant Based:
Number of participants:
VTC Virginia Sports Tourism Grant Program Application, Agreement and Terms & Conditions
3
Spectators per Participant:
Spectators:
Overnight share (all visitors):
Visitors (overnight / day): ____/_____
Local share of day visitors:
(METHOD 2) Direct Entry:
Overnight Visitors:
Day Visitors:
Local share of day visitors:
(METHOD 3) Admission Based:
Admission per event:
Number of events:
Events per visitor:
Unique Spectators:
Number of participants:
Overnight share (all visitors):
Visitors (overnight / day): ____/_____
Local share of day visitors:
HOTEL INFORMATION:
Estimated Total Number of Room Nights*:
How did you estimate and/or what calculator tool did you use to estimate room nights*?
Average length of stay per visitor:
Hotels being utilized or under consideration (name all):
Do you have rooms blocked at these hotels? YES or No:
Average Room Rate (if known):
VTC Virginia Sports Tourism Grant Program Application, Agreement and Terms & Conditions
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Please list attractions, restaurants and retail that are partnering with you and/or will be
significantly impacted by this event.
1. Restaurant ______________
2. Restaurant ______________
3. Attraction _______________
4. Attraction _______________
5. Retail ____________________
The number of Athletes*:
Estimated Percentage of athletes from outside VA (MUST be 51% or more)*:
Estimated percentage of athletes arriving by air (if known):
List the states and/or countries participants are traveling from:
The number of Coaches/Staff*:
Estimated Number of Spectators*:
Earned Media Plan (describe in detail, if applicable):
Please provide a list of all eligible expenses that the Grant Funds will be utilized for and
your matching Funds (list of all eligible expenses and amounts. Describe how you will use
the funds *:
Use the provided template below:
Reimbursable Expenses (example below)
Eligible Description Vendor Name Projected Amount
Expense Procurement
Date
Equipment Portable toilets Porto-John 1/10/26 $958
Rental for fan zone and
along course
VTC Virginia Sports Tourism Grant Program Application, Agreement and Terms & Conditions
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Total Reimbursable Expenses: $ ___________
Cash Match Expenses (example below)
Eligible Description Vendor Name Projected Amount
Expense Procurement
Date
Transportation Shuttling for Academy Coach 7/14/26 $5,452
athletes to fields
Total Cash Match Expenses by Applicant: $ ___________
Note: cash match amount must equal or be greater than reimbursable expenses.
Agreement and Terms & Conditions
Applicants must attest to these terms and conditions at the time of application.
For information on how to apply for this program, please refer to the Virginia Sports
Tourism Grant Program Instructions, Sample Application, and Webinar recording.
Program Overview & Eligibility
Application Window: TBD, 5PM (No Extensions)
*This round of the VTC VSTGP is only for events that occur between TBD.
Funding Available: $TBD
1:1 Cash Matching Grant Program
To receive the award amount you request, you must list cash matching expenses
that are at least 100% of the amount you request in the application.
Only items listed in the Eligible Expenses section of this document can be used as
VTC Virginia Sports Tourism Grant Program Application, Agreement and Terms & Conditions
6
cash match.
Reimbursement-Based Grant
Funds are not awarded up-front. Your award is held in a grant account with VTC, and you
may request reimbursement funds by submitting your invoices, and proofs of payment for
review after the event date. Once reimbursement is approved, your funds will be paid to
you. Reimbursement forms can be found at https://www.vatc.org/grants/grant-
reimbursements/
Only Established Businesses/Organizations are eligible to apply.
Your business/organization must be open to the public and operational at the time of
application and have an officially registered Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN).
If you are a sole proprietor, you may use the sole proprietor’s Social Security Number (SSN)
*Only online applications entered through our website will be accepted. The application
for this program can be found at this link ONLY when the grant officially opens: TBD but
probably https://vatc.org/grants/. *
Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) Letter of Support
To apply for this program, if you are not a DMO, you must have a letter of support from your
local or regional DMO that clearly states their support for your program. You can find a list of
DMOs on www.vatc.org/dmolist.
If you do not have a local or regional DMO serving your area, you must obtain a letter of
support from your locality leader (such as your town manager, city manager, or county
manager.)
*If you do not have a letter of support from your local or regional DMO, your program
may not be awarded. *
Program Guidelines:
Eligible Applicants
• Applicants must be based in Virginia
• Applicants must be an operational business/organization listed in the eligible
applicants section of VSTGP Guidelines and have a FEIN or SSN (if sole proprietor)
• Applicants Cannot be a federal or state agency.
Applicants must be any of the following
• Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs/CVBs or Chamber of Commerce)
VTC Virginia Sports Tourism Grant Program Application, Agreement and Terms & Conditions
7
• Nonprofit sports support organization – 501 (c)
• Sports Venues – i.e. convention center, event venue, sports venue, hotel with sports
venue.
• City, Town or County local government agency or department – i.e. parks &
recreation department
• Sports Commissions and Sports Authorities
Criteria
• Event must be held in Virginia.
• Youth, amateur, collegiate and select other competitive sporting
events or tournaments only.
• Must be a competitively bid sports tournament or event.
• Must bring a majority (51% or more) of athletes/participants from
outside the state.
• Minimum size of the event must be 100+ athletes/participants.
• Event must be multi-day. Single day events will be considered if
they bring at least 75% of athletes/spectators from outside of the
state.
• Event must take place within 3 years of the date of application.
• Application must be submitted 120 days or more before the first day
of the event.
• There is a 1:1 cash match requirement.
• For multi-year contracted events, applicants must apply for
funding each year.
• Event organizer must have at least a 2-year established event
management history.
General Award Guidelines:
Submitted applications will be evaluated on the following factors:
• Event must show a positive return to the Commonwealth as measured by
Direct State Revenues for the amount sought in grant funding.
• Events will be scored based on the projected return to the Commonwealth as
measured by Direct State Revenues, for the amount sought in grant funding.
VTC Virginia Sports Tourism Grant Program Application, Agreement and Terms & Conditions
8
Suggested Event Size Guidelines for Sample Grant Amounts
Recommended Recommended Recommended Recommended
Grant Size Total Attendance Overnight Hotel Room nights
Attendance
$10,000 1,500 800 600
$25,000 3,800 1,900 1,400
$50,000 7,700 3,800 2,800
$75,000 11,500 5,800 4,200
$100,000 15,300 7,700 5,600
NOTE: Lesser or larger amounts may be awarded.
• The above guidelines are suggested amounts to help right-size the amount
requested relative to size of your event.
• Amounts ultimately awarded through the Grant Program will differ and will
depend on the eligibility of reimbursable items, as well as the financial return
to the Commonwealth through projected state revenues.
• Your event is not required to exceed all the above three guidelines. As these
are only guidelines, your event should fall within the vicinity of one or more of
the guidelines; either (1) total attendance, (2) overnight attendance, or (3) hotel
room nights.
• Different events might qualify in different ways across the three metrics
depending on the length or type of the event. All the below examples would
be sufficient, provided the application is complete, the items to be reimbursed
are eligible, and that there is a financial return to the Commonwealth for the
amount applied for:
o A shorter event of only one overnight might meet the overnight
attendance threshold but not the room nights threshold.
o An event with many spectators compared to participants might qualify
on total attendance but not hotel room nights.
A longer event might not meet the total attendance threshold, but might exceed
the room nights threshold for a given amount.
Scoring & Award Notification Protocol
VTC Virginia Sports Tourism Grant Program Application, Agreement and Terms & Conditions
9
This is a competitive grant program, with programs awarded by the strength and score
of their applications. Proposals which do not perform as outlined in the application may
be subject to a reduced grant award or denial of funding.
There are limited funds available for this program. Since awards are determined based
on application scores, your application must be complete and thorough. Final awards
may or may not equal the amount you originally requested and are based on funds
available at the time of the award.
Do not assume that the review team is familiar with your area, destination, business or
event. You should include all requested information and be as detailed as possible.
When determining the award total for an application, Virginia Tourism Corporation may
consider a variety of factors. These include the number of applications received, the
items listed below and most importantly the return on investment to the state.
Please see the score breakdown for each application section below:
• DOCUMENTATION/DESCRIPTION – 25 POINTS
• ROOM NIGHTS/ATTENDEES – 20 POINTS
• RETURN ON INVESTMENT – 30 POINTS
• FUND UTILIZATION PLANS – 25 POINTS
• BONUS SECTION – 13 POINTS
Award Notification
If you receive an award in this program, you will receive an email from the VTC Sports
Grant team to the email address listed on your application. This email will include your
Grant ID Number, general information regarding your grant account, and supporting
documents that will assist you in completing your grant proposal successfully.
If you are not awarded in this program, you will also receive an email from the
VTC Sports Grant team to the email address listed on your application. You will
be able to schedule a 1:1 meeting with a member of the VTC Sports Grant team to
discuss your application and how it can be improved in future rounds.
Award Notifications for this program are anticipated to be sent in TBD.
Grant Reimbursement Process
This is a reimbursement-based grant program. Awarded funds will not be paid up-
front.
Once you receive an award notification email from the VTC Grants team, we will
place your award in a grant account that you submit for reimbursement, with
the post event report, up to 90 days after the completion of your event.
Failure to do so will result in funding award being null and void.
VTC Virginia Sports Tourism Grant Program Application, Agreement and Terms & Conditions
10
How to Submit a VTC Grant Reimbursement Request
You must submit a reimbursement request package to our main office, via
postal service, addressed: VTC Sports Grant Team; 901 East Cary Street, Suite
900, Richmond, Virginia, 23219. Any reimbursement requests that are not
submitted via postal service may not be reviewed if they do not reach the
correct department. Reimbursement forms and instructions can be found at:
TBD but probably https://www.vatc.org/grants/grant-reimbursements/
Within the reimbursement request package, you must include:
• The VTC Reimbursement Request Form
• Completed W-9 (business name and address must match your application’s
information)
• ACH Direct Deposit Form (optional)
• Invoices & Proofs of Payment for expenses listed on the Reimbursement
Request Form and the included in the application.
• Proof of event taking place i.e. website with competition results, photos of the
event etc.
• Actual event data with number of participants, spectators and updated
economic impact.
• A completed Post Event Report Template for your program (Your final report
must be completed
• using the correct VTC template)
After the VTC Grants Team receives your reimbursement request package, it will be
reviewed. Afterwards, you will be notified, via email, regarding the status of your
reimbursement request and whether we need additional information.
Please Note – Only the primary contact on your application/grant account can submit
grant reimbursement requests to VTC. Reimbursement requests cannot be submitted
by partners or any other parties; requests submitted by those parties will not be
reviewed or processed.
VTC grant reimbursement payments will only be sent to the applicant
business/organizations. No other party will receive payment from VTC.
Eligible Expenses
The expenses in this section are eligible to be used as cash match or for which you may
receive reimbursement.
Eligible Expense Period: TBD – up to 90 Days After the End of Your Event
VTC Virginia Sports Tourism Grant Program Application, Agreement and Terms & Conditions
11
Below are the only expenses that can be used as cash match for this grant award and
that can be submitted to VTC for reimbursement.
List of Eligible Event Expenses:
• Site/venue rental usage fees (venues are ineligible for reimbursement for this
expense)
• Rights / Sanction / Bid Fees (only for successful bids awarded to the destination)
• Rental of equipment - furniture, fixtures and AV (i.e. portable toilets, fencing,
sport court flooring, stage, chairs, tables, speakers, tv’s, golf carts, scoreboards
etc.)
• Shuttling cost for event (athletes, staff and spectators)
• Contracted and Invoiced Event Services Staff Wages – (i.e. officials, referee,
timing, scoring, third party staffing) and athletic trainers
• Event-specific signage & printed marketing materials
• Event production and technical rental expenses (i.e. sound and light techs)
• Equipment rental and production cost of live streaming
• Wifi/internet service cost for sports facility or wherever the event is taking place
• Catered meals for athletes/event staff provided by the event organizer or host
(no individual meals or alcohol)
*Any other expenses are ineligible.
Open Records Policy
As a political subdivision of the Commonwealth of Virginia, Virginia Tourism
Authority (DBA Virginia Tourism Corporation) must comply with open records
policies per Virginia Code §2.2-3700, and therefore must provide copies of
awarded grant applications when requested. If your application is requested by
an individual or organization, any personal and banking information will be
redacted.
The grant program terms may be modified at any time. Applicants will be notified of
any changes.
The VTC Sports Grant Team disclaims liability for any costs or damages incurred
in the execution of funded proposals. Applicants submitting their grant proposal
and their participation in the grant program constitutes agreement to these
terms.
VTC Grants Team Contact Information
For questions regarding any of the information in this document, please contact the
VTC Sports Grant Team:
VTC Virginia Sports Tourism Grant Program Application, Agreement and Terms & Conditions
12
VTC VSTGP Email – TBD but probably VSTGprogram@virginia.org
Joni Johnson, Director of Domestic Sales & Marketing – jjohnson@virginia.org
Danish Saadat, National Sales & Marketing Manager – dsaadat@virginia.org
TBD, Sports Grant Coordinator -
Applicable Laws and Courts
This agreement shall be governed in all respects by the laws of the Commonwealth
of Virginia, without regard to its choice of law provisions, and any litigation with
respect thereto shall be brought in the circuit courts of the Commonwealth.
Availability of Funds
It is understood and agreed between the parties herein that the VTC shall be bound
hereunder only to the extent of the funds available or which may hereafter become
available for the purpose of the Grant Program.
This agreement represents the entire understanding of the parties with respect to the
subject matter hereof and may only be amended by the written agreement of an
authorized representative of each of the parties.
By signature below, the representative of the Applicant certifies that they have the
authority to act on behalf of the Applicant, and acting as the Applicant’s authorized
representative, the signatory below certifies that the applicant acknowledges and
agrees to these guidelines and terms and conditions, in exchange for receipt and
acceptance of the funds, in the event the Applicant is awarded funds under this
program, and that failure to meet the requirements in the Terms and Conditions could
result in a forfeiture of the award and denial of reimbursements.
AGREED & ACKNOWLEDGED:
Company: _____________________________________________________
Print name: __________________________________________________
Signature: ____________________________________________________
Title: _________________________________________________________
Date:_________________________________________________________
VTC Virginia Sports Tourism Grant Program Application, Agreement and Terms & Conditions
DRAFT – Exhibit C
VIRGINIA SPORTS TOURISM GRANT PROGRAM SCORE SHEET – TBD 2026
APPLICANT ORGANIZATION APPLICATION #
SPORTING EVENT NAME
RIGHTS HOLDER NAME
APPLICANT CONTACT NAME
CONTACT EMAIL
TOTAL FUNDING $ APPROVED AMOUNT $
REQUESTED
REVIEWER NAME
TOTAL SCORE (113 MAX) RANK OF THIS APPLICATION
DOCUMENTATION: (10 POINTS)
Is a contract, RFP/Bid document or confirmation document attached? If yes, give half the points. Is it detailed and
informative? If yes, give the full 10 points. Is the rights holder and tournament name spelled out? If only acronyms are
provided, deduct points.
EVENT DESCRIPTION: (10 POINTS)
Provide a score on how effectively the applicant provided an overview of the event. Do you feel like you know what the
event includes and who attends?
RIGHTS HOLDER: (5 POINTS)
Is the event produced by a national recognized organization, i.e. USA national governing body, collegiate or professional
organization? If so, give 5 points. If you don’t recognize the organization, do they have a website? Does it look
professional? Do they have history of past events? If so, give 5 points or deduct as necessary.
% OF ATHLETES FROM OUTSIDE OF VIRGINIA: (5 POINTS)
Award max points for above 51%, 50% or below = application is disqualified and stop scoring.
ESTIMATED TOTAL NUMBER OF ROOM NIGHTS & ATTENDEES: (15 POINTS)
Does the event bring the recommended total attendance, overnight attendance, and hotel room nights based on
recommended grant size? If so, give 5 points for each of the categories it meets.
ESTIMATED RETURN ON INVESTMENT TO THE COMMONWEALTH: (30 POINTS + 5 BONUS)
What is the states estimated ROI? If the ROI is between 0.8-1.0 award 15 points, 1.0-1.2 award 20 points, if 1.2-1.4
award 25 points, if 1.4-1.6 award 30 points, 1.6 and above award bonus points. For ROI of less than 0.8 award 0 points.
BREAKDOWN OF FUNDS UTILIZATION & MATCHING FUNDS: (25 POINTS)
Applicants must provide an itemized list of items the fund will be used for. If an ineligible item(s) is listed, deduct points.
Line items should add up to the total funding request, if they don’t, deduct points. Do the same thing with the matching
funds list, there must be a minimum 1:1 ratio for the matching funds. Add or deduct points on how detailed the
application is in identifying the line-item budget request for funds.
EARNED MEDIA: (4 BONUS POINTS)
Did the applicant detail the additional benefits to the destination for hosting the event such as broadcast, streaming,
organizer website or e-newsletter advertising, social media posts etc.? If none, give zero.
INTERNATIONAL VISITORS: (4 BONUS POINTS)
Give one bonus point per country represented up to a maximum of 4 points.
GENERAL REVIEWER COMMENTS (explanation for points deductions and overall thoughts on application merits):
1
DRAFT – Exhibit D
Virginia Sports Tourism Grant Program Post Event
Report
– FOR REFERENCE ONLY – YOU MUST SUBMIT ONLINE VIA THE PORTAL (Provide
all the attachments at the end of the report)
*Indicates required field
Post Event Report Information:
Application #*:
Entity Name*
Primary Contact's First Name*
Primary Contact's Last Name*
Work Phone*
Mobile Phone
Email Address*
Total Application Funding Requested*: $[ ]
Sporting Event/Tournament Name*:
Event Dates*:
Organization/Rights Holder Name*:
Type of Event (Youth Amateur, Adult Amateur, Collegiate, Professional,
Championships)*:
Is this an elimination event*:
Type of Sport()*:
Location/Venue Name*:
VTC Virginia Sports Tourism Grant Program Post Event Report
2
Sports Visitor Calculation Method – Use the same method used in application.
(METHOD 1) Participant Based:
Number of participants:
Spectators per Participant:
Spectators:
Overnight share (all visitors):
Visitors (overnight / day): ____/_____
Local share of day visitors:
(METHOD 2) Direct Entry:
Overnight Visitors:
Day Visits (optional):
Local share of day visitors:
(METHOD 3) Admission Based:
Admission per event:
Number of events:
Events per visitor:
Unique Spectators:
Number of participants:
Overnight share (all visitors):
Visitors (overnight / day): ____/_____
Local share of day visitors:
How did you determine post event data?*
Attach any supporting documentation ie. Hotel pick-up reports, ticket sales, team
check-in forms etc.
VTC Virginia Sports Tourism Grant Program Post Event Report
3
LODGING INFORMATION:
Average length of stay per visitor:
Lodging utilized:*
Total Number of rooms nights used at these properties:
Please provide background information on how you ended up on this number*:
Average Room Rate (if known):
The number of Athletes*:
Did 50% or more athletes come from outside VA (YES or NO)*:
Estimated percentage of athletes arriving by air (if known):
List the states and/ or countries participants traveled from:
The number of Coaches/Staff*:
Estimated Number of Spectators*:
Attach proof that the event took place* (i.e. photos of event, website with
tournament event final stats, etc.)
Attach invoices, receipts from eligible expenses for reimbursement*. Must show paid.
Please provide a list of all eligible expenses and the exact amounts from the invoices
to be submitted for reimbursement. (Use the provided template)*:
Note: Amount can’t be higher than grant award.
Comments (optional):
VTC Virginia Sports Tourism Grant Program Post Event Report
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