Marketing Assistance Program

The Marketing Assistance Program was created as an incubator to local tourism-related projects and/or events. This program supports eligible Partners with financial assistance for Marketing and Sales programs via a matching funds model. It is a 50% funds program. VHH will match 50% of a Partner's expenses.

Applicants must demonstrate that the event or project supported by this program promotes tourism awareness and economic growth in Dauphin County.

Marketing Assistance Eligibility

Eligibility Requirements:

All applicants participating in the project must be investing Partners of Visit Hershey & Harrisburg (VHH).
Applicants must demonstrate that the event or project supported by this program promotes tourism awareness and economic growth in Dauphin County.
A new or start-up event that drives visitation to the destination from outside the region. Partner business must be in or event must take place in Dauphin county.
A marketing project that will generate incremental visitation to Dauphin county.
All projects/events must drive visitation to Dauphin County ensuring continued economic growth for our destination.
Events and organizations that receive tourism grant funding from any other tourism, economic development, or governmental agency may not be eligible.

Application Process

Schedule a meeting to go over the guidelines with the President/CEO or VP of Operations.
Complete an application ensuring that all Marketing Assistance criteria a met.
Submit completed application at least six weeks before project or event will occur.
Applicants may be asked to participate in an in-person interview with VHH leadership team to discuss program specifics.
Within 30 days applicants will be notified informing if, and to what degree, funding has been approved for your project/event.
Any changes or amendments to the approved application must be approved by VHH prior to execution.
Creative MUST be approved by VHH PRIOR to execution, including approved messaging/creative.
Payment requests must be received within one year of fund approval date. Proof of paid invoices are required for reimbursement.
Upon completion of the approved project or event, a final report must be submitted within 60 days. If the report is not submitted within 90 days of project completion, the VHH agreement with you and/or your organization is considered null and void.

Failure to comply with the terms and conditions of the agreement may result in penalties, including fund repayment.

Eligible Marketing Advertising Efforts

Registration or booth expenses for out-of-market consumer shows
Digital Advertising
Print (newspapers and magazines)
Direct marketing (emails, direct mail)
Outdoor
Social Media

Ineligible Expenses (Funding Will Not Be Provided)

Expenses related to event production
Advertising in Visit Hershey & Harrisburg marketing materials
T-shirts
Medals
Postage/Shipping
Signage
Entertainment
Radio (including digital - i.e. Pandora)
Traveling Expenses (mileage, meals, accommodations)
Television
Expenses not listed in your grant application
Website

Additional Information

Previously awarded applicants may reapply for the same project or event for up to three years at decreasing award levels. Funding will be awarded on a case-by-case basis. Applicants must follow all steps of the application process for each submission.
- Year 1 - Up to $4,000
- Year 2 - Up to $2,500
- Year 3 - Up to $1,500
It should not be presumed that funds will be awarded on an annual basis, nor should the availability of these grant awards be considered an annual part of any applicant’s budget.
Payment will be issued against paid invoices. All payments are made payable to the applicant submitting the Marketing Assistance application.
Visit Hershey & Harrisburg reserves the right to decide on a per-application basis on which and to what degree they assist in a project.
All funded projects must feature Visit Hershey & Harrisburg creative, visible and relevant to size/ratio of marketing tool (i.e. billboard vs postcard)
Sample Text: “This project (or event) is supported by Visit Hershey & Harrisburg.” All ads and promotional material must include the Visit Hershey & Harrisburg logo and website URL where applicable. Visit Hershey & Harrisburg must review/approve all promotional material prior to execution.

The level of matching funds vary depending on your specific project. Please contact Sue Kunisky, VP of Operations, to discuss funding.