Does your non-profit organization or corporation want free money? If you have projects promoting our community’s tourism and hotel industry, you can apply for the Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) Grant. The City of Baytown’s Tourism Division is accepting applications until 4pm on September 17, 2022. The deadline is approaching, but you can find the application online at visitbaytown.com/hot-grant-info.
By state law, the City of Baytown collects the Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) from all lodging facilities located within city limits. The city then provides annual funding from a portion of the HOT revenue to fund qualifying programs from non-profit organizations or corporations.
Anna Yowell, Baytown Tourism Manager, said, “The HOT (fund) grants really benefit the City in many ways. We all want to show the state and the country why it’s great to visit Baytown, and these grants assist in doing just that. Organizations can use the funds to help promote their special events to visitors, helping to fill hotel rooms in Baytown.”
Like with most grants, there are some specific requirements for the use of the HOT grant. Each non-profit that applies for funding can only use the funds to promote tourism and the convention and hotel industry in the city. This includes every funded project or event that attracts visitors to stay overnight, in the city. Additionally, an organization’s program or special event must fit into one or more of the categories as outlined in Section 351.101 of the Texas Tax Code to qualify.
For more information on the city’s HOT Grant program or to download the application, visit www.visitbaytown.com/hot-grant-info. The Tourism Office can also be reached at 281-691-6710 or by email to Tourism@Baytown.org.