Strategic Investment Fund

The Willamette Valley Visitors Association (WVVA) is a Regional Destination Management Organization (RDMO) focused on promoting responsible tourism and regional economic well-being that benefits residents and visitors alike.

Purpose

The annual Willamette Valley Visitors Association Strategic Investment Fund focuses on direct investment with partners within the Willamette Valley to fuel community-driven work in support of destination marketing and development.

Funding

Applicants can request between $5,000 and $50,000 to support their project. Applicants may request an administration fee of up to 10 percent of the requested project amount. Total funds available to be awarded this cycle: $95,176.

Destination marketing

• Marketing materials and campaigns for shoulder and off-season, niche and

secondary visitor experiences, and emerging markets

• Marketing asset acquisition (photography, videography, user-generated content)

Destination development

• Niche and secondary visitor experience development
• Venue accessibility improvements (hearing loops, multilingual signage, etc.)
• Trail stewardship investments (wayfinding, accessibility improvements, etc.)

Meetings, events, & sports

• Bid fee support for new/expanded multi-day sports and meeting tourism events
•  Scholarships for lodging partners to attend B2B conferences (Go West Summit,NTA, ABA, etc.)

Applicants must submit an application to describe the scope of the proposed project and how the Strategic Investment Fund dollars will be spent. All projects must submit a grant budget. Applicants may use their own budget template or the sample template provided by WVVA. Applicants can prepare their application narrative ahead of time with this application template. The application window October 1,2026 and closes November 15,2026 at 5:00pm. Apply Here. 

November 15th to December 31st, 2026

Application review and award decisions by SIF committee. WVVA may request a collaborative meeting with the applicant if needed.

January 2027

WVVA will create an MOU for awarded projects, including reporting and budget tracking requirements. On completion of the MOU, WVVA will disburse the first 90% of funds. Event bid fees will be earmarked and awarded upon a successful bid.

December 31, 2027

All awarded funds must be spent, projects completed, and final receipts, recaps, and deliverables submitted. Once complete, WVVA will disburse the remaining 10% of funds.

• Non-profit organizations, for-profit visitor-facing businesses, federally recognized Tribes, and local governments serving or providing a visitor experience in the Willamette Valley.
• Applicants must serve the Willamette Valley and be located in the following counties: Southwest Clackamas, Yamhill, Marion, Polk, Linn, Benton, and East (non-coastal) Lane (see map above).
• DMOs may apply as a fiscal agent for a project without an official organization sponsor, or apply for bid fee support, but are otherwise ineligible to apply. A DMO is an organization that receives lodging tax dollars, uses those funds for tourism marketing or development, and serves visitors from 50 miles or more away.
• Entities may submit multiple projects, but only one project per entity may be awarded each funding cycle.
• Ineligible projects include fundraising campaigns, staffing capacity, organizational operations and development, event sponsorships, and website / app development.

The application will ask about these criteria.

• Does the project attract visitors to your community from 50 miles away or more?
• Does the project align with WVVA priorities in destination marketing or development?
• Does the project clearly benefit the visitor industry in the Willamette Valley?
• Does the project introduce a new idea, enhance existing offerings, or fill a gap?
• Does the project support long-term regional economic sustainability?
• Can the awarded funds be spent and projects accomplished by Dec. 31, 2027?

These criteria can elevate your application but are not required

• Does the project incorporate sustainable tourism practices?
• Does the project contribute to accessibility, diversity, equity, and inclusion in tourism?
• Does the project leverage partnerships and collaboration within the Willamette Valley?
• Does the project benefit more than one Willamette Valley community or county?

Learn more about the SIF by watching the webinar above, reviewing the attached slides, the FAQ sheet, and the application questions. Please contact Tori Middlestadt, Executive Director, at tori@willamettevalley.org.