Outer Banks Grant Opportunities for Community Growth

The Outer Banks Visitors Bureau sponsors several grant programs that help finance local projects and events organized by Dare County nonprofits and government entities.

Event Grants are intended for events that generate overnight visitation to Dare County during the less-than-peak period from September 7 to June 15. Through its Restricted Fund Grants, the Board also provides Tourism Impact Grants and Long-Term Unappropriated Grants for programs and services required because of tourism’s effects.

Since 1992, the Board has provided more than 725 total grants to over 153 Dare County nonprofits and municipalities. These awards represent more than $26 million in funding and deliver a tangible, sustained benefit to the Outer Banks community.

Event Grant

The Event Grant Program helps Dare County based nonprofit and governmental organizations develop and host concerts, fairs and festivals, sporting competitions, and other events that motivate visitors to stay overnight in Dare County's Outer Banks during the off-peak season, September 7 through June 15.

Applications are accepted twice annually: August 1st–15th and February 1st –15th . Each application must be submitted at least four (4) months before the project start date.

Event Grant Guidelines

Available Event Grant materials include:

• Event Grant Application (.PDF)
• Event Grant Application (.DOCX)
• Event Grant Accountability Form (.PDF)
• Event Grant Accountability Form (.DOCX)

Fireworks Grant

The Dare County Tourism Board created the Fireworks Grant Program to offer financial support to Dare County governmental units and nonprofit organizations presenting Fourth of July fireworks displays.

Applications are accepted February 1st-15 th during the same calendar year as the 4th of July event.

Fireworks Grant Materials

• Fireworks Rules and Qualifications (.DOCX)
• Fireworks Rules and Qualifications (.PDF)
• Fireworks Application (.DOCX)
• Fireworks Application (.PDF)

Long Term Unappropriated Fund Grant

Dare County Tourism Board’s Long-term Unappropriated fund provides financial assistance to Dare County Governmental Units and Non-profit Organizations for programs or services required because tourism affects the County.

Long Term Unappropriated Fund Materials

• Long Term Unappropriated Fund Grant Rules and Application (.PDF)
• Long Term Unappropriated Fund Grant Rules and Application (.DOCX)

Tourism Impact Grant

The Tourism Impact Grant funds programs and services for Dare County–based governmental units and nonprofit organizations that are needed because of the impacts of tourism.

Possible projects include beach access improvements, walkways, and capital projects for attractions, among others. Grant awards are made on a reimbursement basis.

Applications may be requested at any time, but completed applications must be submitted between September 1 and September 30.

Tourism Impact Grant Materials

• Tourism Impact Grant Rules & Qualifications (.PDF)
• Tourism Impact Grant Application (.DOCX)
• Tourism Impact Grant Application (.PDF)
• Tourism Impact Grant Reimbursement Criterion

Past Awards

Past award categories include:

• Tourism Impact Grants
• Established Event Developer Grants
• Event Grant Awards
• Fireworks Grants
• Short-term Restricted Fund Grants
• Long-Term Restricted Fund Grants
• Green Space/Open Space Preservation of Land Grants
• Special Project Grant Awards
• TAG Awards