Tourism Support Grants

A committee of City and County officials reviewed 21 applications and chose the following nonprofits to receive grants using American Rescue Plan recovery funds:

  • Camp Creek Antique Machinery and Threshing Association, Inc. – $25,000
  • Flatwater Shakespeare Company – $91,000
  • Friends of Woods Tennis, Inc. – $100,000
  • History Nebraska – $875,000
  • Lancaster County Agricultural Society, Inc. – $650,000
  • Lied Center for Performing Arts (UNL Board of Regents) – $300,000
  • Lincoln Arts Council – $130,000  
  • Lincoln Calling – $125,000
  • Lincoln Children’s Museum – $705,000
  • Lincoln Children’s Zoo – $900,000
  • Lincoln Sports Foundation – $220,000
  • LUX Center for the Arts – $200,000
  • Midwest Racers Organization, Inc. – $45,000
  • Museum of American Speed – $450,000
  • Nebraska Repertory Theatre (UNL Board of Regents) – $150,000

 


 

The application period has closed for these grants.

The City of Lincoln and Lancaster County are offering Tourism Support Grants.

Grants are available for non-profit businesses in the tourism industry. Non-profits may apply for up to $1,000,000 to pre-pay for up to six months of operational expenses.

A total of $5 million dollars will be made available between the City and County.

Grant awards will be reviewed by a joint committee of City and County representatives. Funds are available from the American Rescue Plan and non-profit businesses must meet federal requirements. Fraudulent documentation or activity will not be tolerated and will be subject to relevant legal actions and consequences.

The opening date to apply is June 1, 2022. Applications will close at 5 p.m. on June 14, 2022.

See Eligibility Requirements.

Program Purpose

The purpose of this program is to provide support assistance to non-profit businesses negatively impacted by the pandemic. The program will provide operational payments to assist non-profit businesses in stabilizing and growing business operations and employment as well as to recover from pandemic losses.

Grant Program Benefits

Qualifying non-profit businesses may apply for up to $1,000,000 to pre-pay up to six months operational expenses.

The total amount for any non-profit business will be based on the current average monthly operations budget. The grant award will be made directly to the non-profit in one lump sum. Payments must be used for operations including payroll, support of operations and maintenance of existing equipment and facilities.

Eligibility Requirements

Non-profit businesses must meet the following eligibility criteria:

  • Businesses must be a non-profit, verified by Secretary of State records.
  • Applicants must have a physical location doing business in the City of Lincoln or Lancaster County.
  • Businesses must be in the tourism industry.
  • Businesses must have been in operation prior to February 29, 2020.
  • Businesses must provide all necessary documentation.

 

How to Apply

The application period has closed for these grants.

Non-profit business owners should submit the application. Applications will be reviewed by members of the City Council, County Commissioners, and other administrative staff.

Applicants should gather the following documentation in electronic form to prepare to submit an application from June 1-14, 2022.

Non-profit business owners must provide:

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to have a physical location doing business in the City of Lincoln or Lancaster County?
This means a physical location that is open for business in Lincoln City limits or Lancaster County.

How will you verify the non-profit status of the business?
We will confirm your information with the Secretary of State.

Does this need to be paid back?
No. It is a grant.

What exactly do you define as operational expenses?
Operational expenses include payroll, rent, mortgage, normal costs of maintenance for existing facilities, and other normal costs for your non-profit.

How should I calculate the monthly average of our operational costs?
Please total your monthly operational costs, divide that number by 12 to come to a monthly average cost. Then take your monthly average and multiply that by 6 to get the grant amount you should request. If your six-month average is greater than $1,000,000 then request a grant award for the maximum of $1,000,000.

If you have questions please contact Grace Willnerd at gwillnerd@lincoln.ne.gov