Liberty, NY — The Sullivan Catskills Visitors Association (SCVA), in partnership with Sullivan County, is proud to announce the launch of the 2026 Sullivan County Tourism Grant Program, a $300,000 initiative designed to strengthen the region’s tourism economy, drive overnight visitation, and celebrate the area’s arts, culture, and community identity.
Funded through county lodging tax revenues, the Tourism Grant Program reinvests directly into projects that elevate the Sullivan Catskills’ brand and enhance the visitor experience. The program supports a diverse range of initiatives, from destination marketing and event promotion to cultural programming and local branding, all with a focus on measurable outcomes and sustainable growth.
“We want this program to be inclusive and empowering,” said Michael Martelon, President and CEO of the Sullivan Catskills Visitors Association. “Our goal is to ensure every corner of Sullivan County has the opportunity to tell its story, welcome visitors, and benefit from the tourism economy. By investing in creativity, collaboration, and community pride, we’re not just driving visitation, we’re strengthening the foundation of what makes the Sullivan Catskills such a special place to live, work, and visit.”
The joint Tourism Grant Program is structured across four funding categories to ensure fairness and strategic impact. Roomnight-Focused Grants, accounting for 60% of total funding, will support programs and campaigns that demonstrably increase overnight stays through packages and overnight stay offers. Arts & Culture Enhancement Grants will invest in exhibitions, residencies, and cultural experiences. Village, Hamlet & Micro- Brand Grants will help local chambers and other organizations develop distinct visitor- facing identities through storytelling, branding, and wayfinding projects. Finally, Events & Festivals Support Grants will provide resources to seed or expand high-quality events that draw visitors from beyond the region. Applicants can apply under two tracks: Catalyst Grants, aimed at new and innovative ideas that reach fresh audiences, and Legacy Grants, which reward proven initiatives with established returns on investment.
The program will be offered in two rounds. Round One opens on November 1, 2025, with applications due December 16, 2025, and awards announced January 15, 2026. Round Two opens March 9, 2026, with applications due April 14, 2026, and awards announced May 15, 2026. Funds will be distributed in March and June 2026, respectively, and post- project reports will be required within 60 days of completion.
After a brief pause of the program this year, SCVA continued to invest in key community events and cultural initiatives throughout 2025, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to supporting Sullivan County’s tourism economy. In total, $189,686 in community sponsorships and grants were distributed in 2025 to support organizations and events including Bethel Woods’ Peace, Love & Pumpkins, the Forestburgh Playhouse’s In the Works, In the Woods Festival, the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance, the Hurleyville Performing Arts Centre, the Narrowsburg Chamber of Commerce, Shadfest, the Livingston Manor Trout Parade, The Parksville B’kawk, and Sullivan Public’s “Greetings From Here” exhibit, among many others, ensuring that tourism and community pride continued to thrive.
SCVA will continue to provide marketing consultation, creative development, and in-kind media support to grantees to ensure consistent messaging and strong visibility across the region. First-time applicants can take advantage of informational sessions and one-on-one consultations hosted by SCVA staff, as well as online resources such as FAQs, sample applications, and reporting templates. All grantees will be required to demonstrate measurable results, including potential lodging impact, visitor and/or business engagement, and marketing and other performance metrics. This performance-based approach emphasizes the SCVA’s commitment to reinvesting tourism revenues responsibly and transparently to strengthen Sullivan County’s overall visitor economy.
For more information about eligibility, timelines, and how to apply, visit www.SullivanCatskills.com/grants or contact the Sullivan Catskills Visitors Association at info@scva.net.
