By 1808Delaware
Each overnight stay in Dublin helps generate funding for projects designed to make the city a more appealing place to live and visit. Applications are now being accepted for Dublin’s 2027 Hotel/Motel Tax Grant program, which supports qualifying community events, cultural programs, public improvements and other initiatives. The application period closes September 16.
Eligible nonprofit organizations can complete the 2027 Hotel/Motel Tax Grant application online.
Reinvesting visitor spending in Dublin
Dublin is home to nearly 20 hotels and motels. The city collects a 6% tax on overnight stays, then invests a portion of that revenue in programs and projects intended to improve the community and attract visitors.
Each year, Dublin City Council budgets the greater of $225,000 or 6.5% of the previous year’s actual hotel and motel tax revenue for grants to community organizations. Although attracting visitors is central to the program, funded projects may also improve the experience of Dublin residents and businesses.
Grant requests may involve:
- Beautification of public property
- Improvements within Dublin’s historic district
- Projects and events appealing to visitors
- Special events
- Cultural arts programs
- Other projects that enhance the Dublin community
Applicants must be federally recognized, tax-exempt nonprofit organizations, such as organizations holding 501(c)(3) status.
What Dublin will consider
Priority will be given to proposals that produce a clear benefit for Dublin and make effective use of public funding. Projects are more likely to receive favorable consideration if they can generate overnight hotel stays, bring customers to Dublin businesses and restaurants, attract positive media attention or reach a broad portion of the community. The city will also consider whether an organization has secured support from additional sources, is working with other event organizers to control costs and can demonstrate that the project’s public benefits justify the requested investment.
Seed funding may be available for inventive new programs that advance the grant’s tourism and community-development goals.
Applicants can review the complete standards in the city’s Hotel/Motel Tax Grant Policy and Rubric.
How applications will be reviewed
After applications close, city staff will review each submission for eligibility and completeness. Applications will then be divided into two categories: community-benefit events and projects, and sports tournaments. Dublin City Council’s Finance Committee will consider the applications during its Oct. 20 meeting. All applicants are encouraged to attend, present their proposals and answer questions from council members. The committee’s review process will inform its recommendations, but it does not guarantee a particular award amount. Funding becomes final only after approval by City Council.
Grants are paid through reimbursement
Organizations should note that the grant program operates on a reimbursement basis. Successful applicants will enter into a memorandum of understanding with the city identifying the specific expenses covered by the award and establishing the grant’s general requirements. Expenses that are not included in that agreement will not be reimbursed.
Recipients must submit a complete final report no later than 90 days after the funded event concludes. The city will not issue reimbursement until it receives that report. Organizations may request an additional 30 days with written city approval. Applicants must also submit IRS Form 990 information so the city can evaluate the organization’s overall financial sustainability.
Matching requirement begins with a later cycle
Events receiving grant support for three or more total years will eventually be required to provide a match equal to 25% of the awarded amount. For purposes of that requirement, however, all events and projects were treated as new beginning in 2025, regardless of whether they had received funding previously. As a result, the matching requirement will first affect qualifying events applying in 2027 for grants awarded in 2028.
Some requests are not eligible
The program cannot fund individuals, staffing expenses, for-profit ventures, endowments or budget deficits incurred before an application is submitted. Funding is also unavailable for political organizations, groups primarily engaged in influencing legislation, travel outside Dublin or road races requiring the closure of public streets.
Applications for the 2027 funding cycle opened August 20 and must be submitted by September 16.
Questions may be directed to Performance Management Analyst Jeff Jiang at jjiang@dublin.oh.us or 614-410-4480.
