VCB Announces New Funding for Arts and Culture, Invites Applicants for 2025

OCALA/MARION COUNTY, Fla.— The Ocala/Marion County Visitors and Convention Bureau (OMCVCB) is excited to announce a new initiative designed to boost tourism by supporting local arts, cultural, historical, heritage, and nature experiences. This program, funded by a portion of the Tourist Development Tax, aims to position Ocala/Marion County as a vibrant, must-experience destination.

The program has a dedicated budget of $100,000 for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. Individual project awards are competitive, with a maximum award amount of $10,000 per request. Priority will be given to projects that are held during non-peak tourism periods, specifically outside of January, February, and March. To be eligible, organizations must be a Marion County-based, tourism-related entity in good standing with the Florida Division of Corporations. Additionally, projects must have a strong cultural and tourism component, be open to the public, and utilize Marion County lodging partners.

The OMCVCB requires that organizations interested in the Arts and Cultural Enhancement Funding Program submit a Letter of Intent by the deadline of October 1 as the preliminary phase for applying. The Letter of Intent must consist of the following:

• Briefly describe the project/event and how it meets the criteria described above.
• Describe your organization (please include the size of your operating budget), and the purpose for which funding is being sought.
• Demonstrate the applicant’s ability to carry out the programming/project during the funding period (may include: event production experience, volunteers involved, in-kind support and sponsor/community support)
• Include the total project costs and the requested grant amount.
• If a standard sponsorship proposal exists, please submit it with the Letter of Intent.

Upon a technical review of all LOIs, the OMCVCB will notify organizations by email if they are invited to submit a full proposal for consideration. All applicants are required to attend a Tourist Development Council (TDC) meeting to present their proposal in person.

The program's primary goal is to fund events and projects that attract out-of-county visitors, encouraging them to stay overnight and explore all that Marion County has to offer. Full guidelines for the program are available here: https://www.ocalamarion.com/partners/submit-arts-and-culture-funding-program/

For questions or to submit a Letter of Intent, please contact the Ocala/Marion County Visitors & Convention Bureau at 352-438-2800 or via email at marketing@marionfl.org.

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About: Internationally renowned among equestrians, cyclists, geologists, and even the world of classic cinematography, Ocala/Marion County still feels like a hidden gem to those who aren’t already insiders. And yet, when you’re here, you’re never an outsider. The relaxed, genuine friendliness of the county’s communities makes you feel welcome wherever you go. From its otherworldly natural springs to the compounds of World Equestrian Center and Florida Aquatics Swimming and Training to its vibrant restaurants, quaint shops, dynamic arts and culture, and historic sites, the destination takes you by surprise in the best of ways. For more information about Ocala/Marion County, visit OcalaMarion.com or call toll-free 1.888.FL.OCALA.