Application window opens for Tourism Destination Enhancement and Trails Maintenance Fund grants
HUNTINGDON, Pa. — The Huntingdon County Visitors Bureau (HCVB) today announced the opening of the application window for its Fiscal Year 2026–2027 Tourism Destination Enhancement Grant Program. The initiative provides local tourism-facing entities with funding up to $25,000 per project to strengthen the county’s year-round economy and improve destination infrastructure.
Applications are open to eligible for-profit tourism businesses, non-profit organizations and municipal governments operating within Huntingdon County. The funding application deadline is Oct. 31, 2026 and grant awards are expected to be announced in December 2026.
The grant program heavily prioritizes projects aligned with three core funding tracks:
Track A: Winter Tourism Stimulus — Supporting new or expanded events, equipment purchases and targeted marketing campaigns that attract visitors and generate overnight stays during the non-peak season from Jan. 1 through March 31.
Track B: Year-Round Accessibility & Sensory Enhancements — Funding mobility infrastructure improvements (ramps, automated doors, accessible restrooms), sensory-friendly accommodations (quiet zones, sensory toolkits) and inclusive communications for travelers with physical, mobility, or sensory needs.
Track C: Engineering and Design as Local Match — Providing design or engineering matching funds for major capital projects identified in county, municipal or public land master plans, such as relocating trail alignments away from busy roadways or securing larger external construction grants.
"This program allows us to invest directly in making Huntingdon County a welcoming, vibrant destination every month of the year," said Matt Price, executive director of the Huntingdon County Visitors Bureau. "By prioritizing winter economic activity, universal accessibility and vital engineering work for regional trail networks, we are building a resilient tourism infrastructure that benefits both visitors and residents."
Applicants may request up to $25,000 with no minimum request limit. All grant awards require a minimum 25% match from the recipient, which may consist of cash contributions, in-kind trade services, or volunteer labor.
Approved funds will be disbursed within 30 days of approval by the HCVB Board of Directors. Grantees must submit invoices, receipts and a final closeout report within 60 days of project completion.
Complete grant guidelines, scoring rubrics and application materials are available for the Tourism Destination Enhancement Grants as well as the renewed Huntingdon County Trails Maintenance Fund on the HCVB website at www.raystown.org/grants.