Outer Banks Grant Funding for Events, Tourism, Fireworks, and Community Growth
The Outer Banks Visitors Bureau sponsors several grant programs that fund and strengthen 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 of 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 awarded more than 725 total grants to over 153 Dare County nonprofits and municipalities. Together, these awards represent more than $26 million in funding with a tangible, sustained benefit for 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 similar events. Supported events must encourage overnight visitation to Dare County's Outer Banks during the off-peak season, which runs from September 7 through June 15.
Applications are accepted twice annually: August 1st–15th and February 1st–15th.
Each application must arrive at least four (4) months before the project start date.
Event Grant Guidelines
- 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 established its Fireworks Grant Program to offer financial assistance to Dare County governmental units and nonprofit organizations presenting Fourth of July fireworks displays.
Applications are accepted February 1st-15th of the same calendar year as the 4th of July event.
- Fireworks Rules and Qualifications (.DOCX)
- Fireworks Rules and Qualifications (.PDF)
- Fireworks Application (.DOCX)
- Fireworks Application (.PDF)
Long Term Unappropriated Fund Grant
The Dare County Tourism Board created the Long-term Unappropriated fund to provide financial support to Dare County Governmental Units and Non-profit Organizations for programs or services required as a result of tourism’s impact on the County.
- 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 provides funding to Dare County–based governmental units and nonprofit organizations for programs and services needed because of the impacts of tourism.
Potentially eligible projects include beach access improvements, walkways, and capital projects for attractions, among others. Grants are awarded on a reimbursement basis.
Requests for applications may be made at any time, but completed applications must be submitted between September 1 and September 30.
- Tourism Impact Grant Rules & Qualifications (.PDF)
- Tourism Impact Grant Application (.DOCX)
- Tourism Impact Grant Application (.PDF)
- Tourism Impact Grant Reimbursement Criterion
Past Awards
- 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