Hospitality Grant Program

Mission

Michele L. Vennard Hospitality Grant Program of the Albany County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau Fund, a fund of the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region was established to support Albany County's hospitality industry by funding programs that will help build and sustain Albany County tourism destinations, attractions and events and bring more visitors to the County. The grant range is between $1,000 and $5,000. It is important that organizations applying demonstrate approximately how many overnight hotel stays this project will yield.

 

Community Foundation

Grant Guidelines

The grant application is due on March 6, 2024.

Apply through online portal here

Eligibility

To qualify for a grant, the applicant must be a certified U.S. nonprofit tax-exempt organization as designated by Internal Revenue Code 501(c)(3), whose work falls within the area outlined above. The Albany County Convention and Visitors Bureau Fund will consider grants for the following:

  • Located in Albany County
  • Events of a permanent nature that support and enhance tourism infrastructure and the positive image of Albany as a destination
  • Activities that will increase attendance and tourism
  • Capital campaigns and requests for capital expenditures
  • Challenge grants where funds may be used as a match
  • The fund will also consider grants spread over a specific number of years when appropriate

The Fund encourages collaboration between

  • nonprofit organizations, community
  • groups, and hospitality businesses.

Administration

The grant is being administered by the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region.

Timing & Application

Click here to see grant guidelines.

Click here to begin to complete application through online portal.

Announcements

May 18, 2023 - Sports Foundation of the Capital Region Chair Honored With Hospitality Excellence Award
May 6, 2022 - Discover Albany Recognizes Albany Marriott Director with Prestigious Hospitality Excellence Award
April 29, 2021 - 2021 Hospitality Grant Recipients Announced at Discover Albany's Annual Celebration of Hospitality Excellence
February 26, 2020 - Discover Albany to Recognize Dutch Apple Cruises with Prestigious Hospitality Excellence Award
November 16, 2018 - Discover Albany awards $43,500 to destination attractions to secure more overnight stays
November 17, 2017 - Discover Albany awards $48,000 to grow tourism
November 10, 2016 - Albany CVB Grants $50,500 to County Non-Profits to Grow Tourism Economy
November 10, 2015 - Albany CVB Grants $61,800 to County Non-Profits to Grow Tourism Economy
December 1, 2014 - Albany County Convention and Visitors Bureau Foundation Announced Grant Recipients
November 22, 2013 - Albany County Convention & Visitors Bureau Announces New Round of Hospitality Grant Recipients
April 22, 2013 - Albany County Convention & Visitors Bureau Announces Grant Support for County Nonprofits
November 26, 2012 - Albany County CVB Announces New Hospitality Grant Program