Pre-Event Requirements
- The event must produce room nights at Kalispell hotels, with marketing targeted to attract visitors from outside a 1000-mile radius of the city of Kalispell.
- Events held outside of July and August receive priority scoring.
- Event organizers must exclusively promote all Kalispell hotels and motels in any event promotions. A direct link to the lodging directory and/or event lodging page on discoverkalispell.com must be included on the event website and in travel-planning messaging to participants, vendors, staff and spectators. This must be completed prior to funds being disbursed.
- The Discover Kalispell logo and website must be included in promotional materials. This must be completed prior to funds being disbursed.
- Discover Kalispell supplied lodging link to be included on event website and in correspondence with participants.
- Discover Kalispell must be listed as a key sponsor in all materials. This must be completed prior to disbursement of funds. Discover Kalispell has the right to display banners or other branding materials at the event.
- Administrative and/or operational costs are not eligible expenses to be included as part of the event grant application budget.
- Applicants shall have an active status as a Montana nonprofit organization or a recognized tribal government or any recognized government organization.
Application Process and Selection Criteria
- It’s recommended to submit Grant Application a minimum of 6 months prior to actual event. Application must be complete and accurate.
- The grant applicant or representative is required to attend a regularly scheduled monthly meeting of the Board of Directors to present information on the application and be available for any questions. Those meetings are held the 4th Wednesday of each month. Applicant to verify with Discover Kalispell which meeting dates are available for the presentation.
- The application will be evaluated and scored by the Board of Directors.
(See Below: Event Grant Application Scoring System) - Fully completed applications are usually reviewed by the Board of Directors within a two-month period depending on time of submission and the Board of Directors meeting schedule.
- Notice of award will be provided by Discover Kalispell following a vote by the Board of Directors.
Event Grant Application Scoring System
| Anticipated Number of Room Nights Event Will Generate | 20 |
| Shoulder / Winter Season | 15 |
| New or Growing Event | 15 |
| Marketing Plan | 10 |
| Sustainable in Future Years | 10 |
| Lead-Time to Promote Event / Lodging | 10 |
| Marketing Opportunities for Discover Kalispell | 5 |
| Appeal to Kalispell Tourism | 5 |
| Economic Impact on Kalispell | 5 |
| Other Sponsorships | 5 |
| Total Points | 100 |
Post-Event Requirements
Grants Under $1,000
- A written post-event report to be submitted by the applicant. The report form will be be provided by Discover Kalispell.
Grants of $1,000 or more
- A post-event presentation by the applicant to the Discover Kalispell Board of Directors at a regularly scheduled meeting.
- A written post-event report. Form will be provided by Discover Kalispell.
DISBURSEMENT OF GRANT FUNDS
Grants Under $1,000
75% of the grant funds will be disbursed within 15 days after receipt of an invoice submitted by event organizer. The remaining 25% will be disbursed on completion of the written post event report (as provided by Discover Kalispell). Report must be received no later than 30 days after the event.
Grants of $1,000 or more
No funds will be disbursed until pre-event requirements are met. 50% disbursed after receipt of invoice from event organizer and pre-event requirements are met. 50% of the funds are disbursed following completion of the written post-event report and the presentation to the board.
