Tourism board now taking grant applications

The I.M.P.A.C.T. Nevada Tourism board will be accepting applications for 2011 tourism grants until 2 p.m., Jan. 21 at the Franklin P. Norman City/County Community Center. These grants are available to area organizations or individuals based on five criteria:

* The event encourages visitors from at least 50 miles away.

* It encourages over-night stays in Nevada during the event.

* It creates an enhancement or visual draw to Nevada.

* The event promotes Nevada to other regions or attracts new visitors.

* The organizers have the ability to provide partial or matching funds for the project.

In the past grants have been approved for events like the Boer Goat Show, Nevada FFA Prospect Steer Show, historic events during Bushwhacker Days, Cottey College Welcome Picnic and the Nevada Griffons Parents Weekend.

The submitted grant applications will be reviewed by the IMPACT Nevada Tourism board at their regularly scheduled meeting. The applicants will be notified of the time and date their application will be reviewed and a representative of each organization is expected to be at the meeting to present their application and answer any questions at the scheduled time for their grant review.

All grants selected by the tourism board for funding are subject to final approval by the Nevada City Council.

For more information contact Patti Christensen, tourism director, (417) 684-0308.