Explore Whitefish opens grant period

The Whitefish Convention and Visitors Bureau (Explore Whitefish) is accepting applications for its fourth annual grant program, with submissions due by Oct. 1. Eligible applicants must be Explore Whitefish member businesses or Montana nonprofit organizations. Grant requests are awarded for up to $10,000.

The program awards funds for programs, projects, and events that demonstrate the ability to strengthen the community of Whitefish and help focus visitation during the shoulder and winter seasons. Events from May through September are ineligible for the grant program. Projects that take place during those months may be awarded if they fully align with the Sustainable Tourism Management Plan.

“We seek applicants who will focus their projects or events on community character, livability, and community engagement,” said Explore Whitefish Executive Director Dylan Boyle, "This grant program supports our community partners while working towards the common goal of sustainable tourism."

Eight previous grant winners have launched projects that are far-reaching and create a lasting impact in the community. Grant winners have used funds for projects that support mountain biking and fat biking trails, adding trailheads to city wayfinding signs, adding additional winter decorations for downtown, hosting a songwriters festival, and maintaining lighting for cross-country trails at the golf course. Once this new cycle of awards is complete, $30,500 will have flowed into local organizations through these grants.

Grant information and the application can be found on the Explore Whitefish Member Center page at ExploreWhitefish.com.