Strategic Investment Fund

WVVA is pleased to announce that ten projects have been awarded grants through the 2025-2026 Strategic Investment Fund totaling $85,276. The annual WVVA grant program, now in its second year, is funded through state-wide transient occupancy lodging tax funds collected in the Willamette Valley. The fund provides for direct investment with partners within the Willamette Valley to enhance the visitor experience and drive economic impact. WVVA selected the ten recipients from a total of 31 applicants requesting more than $365,000 in funding.

“With this investment, our goal is to support community-driven work in destination development and marketing in the Willamette Valley,” said Tori Middelstadt, executive director of WVVA, “We’re proud to support these projects that make a meaningful, positive impact in communities across the region and benefit residents and visitors alike.”

Cascades Raptor Center - South Hill Accessibility Project

The Cascades Raptor Center will install railings on the South Hill trail leading to the ambassador bird aviaries to increase accessibility, inclusion, and safety for guests participating in wildlife and educational offerings. This enhancement will ensure long-term usability of the site and strengthen the organization’s ability to deliver its mission of inclusive, conservation-focused environmental education.

City of Wilsonville / Explore Wilsonville - Wilsonville Area Wheel the World Project

The City of Wilsonville / Explore Wilsonville will add 15 Wheel the World Accessibility Verified hotels, attractions and restaurants to the Wheel the World website, allowing the community to better serve travelers and residents with disabilities. Each new listing reflects progress toward a more inclusive and sustainable tourism model, where businesses are empowered to welcome all visitors and contribute to a resilient local economy.

Gilbert House Children’s Museum - GHCM Video Marketing Plan

The GHCM will create new video footage of the museum’s updated exhibits, including Bubble Factory, Nature's Workshop, and Outdoor Discovery Area, and will maximize marketing performance by improving search engine optimization, boosting social media presence, and enhancing email marketing.

Marion Berries Baseball Club - Chemeketa Baseball & Multi-Use Facility Renovation

The Marion Berries Baseball Club, in partnership with Chemeketa Community College, will lead a stadium renovation project to transform Chemeketa’s existing baseball facility into a modern, visitor-ready venue for sports tourism and community events in the heart of Salem. The project includes accessibility upgrades, new seating, improved lighting and signage, enhanced restrooms and concessions, and other infrastructure improvements. 

McKenzie River Chamber of Commerce - Marriage on the McKenzie Destination Marketing Campaign

The McKenzie River Chamber of Commerce will develop a Marriage on the McKenzie destination marketing campaign to increase overnight stays and off-season visitation by strengthening collaboration among local businesses to target the niche wedding market. This community-led effort will attract new visitor segments through inclusive programming, elevate regional visibility with cohesive branding and storytelling, support sustainable tourism that honors the land and community, and highlight the natural beauty, culture, and community character of the region.

National Forest Foundation - Blue Pool Accessible Trail Bridge

The National Forest Foundation is currently partnering with the Willamette National Forest to build a new, accessible trail from a newly-built parking area to Blue Pool (Tamolitch Falls), and provides a smooth, stable, and accessible surface that is 72+ inches wide to accommodate heavy user traffic and a variety of trail mobility devices. The new route is nearly complete; this project will fund modifications to a trail bridge over Kink Creek, making the path truly accessible to the widest possible variety of users.

Oregon Rides & Events - Ride the Dirt Wave - Alsea Falls

Oregon Rides & Events will expand the Ride the Dirt Wave mountain bike event into the Alsea Falls area, strengthening Oregon’s reputation as a mountain biking destination and delivering lasting economic and community impact. In partnership with Team Dirt, Ride the Dirt Wave will continue to incorporate trail work and community gatherings, deepening the event’s role as both a tourism driver and a contributor to sustainable recreation.

Oregon Truffle Festival - Joriad North American Truffle Championship Promotional Video

The Oregon Truffle Festival will film and photograph the 2026 Joriad North American Truffle Championship. Named after Oregon’s state soil, the Joriad highlights the essential role of trained truffle dogs in establishing the burgeoning truffle industry. The video will be used for future promotion, shared widely on social media in collaboration with partners to promote Oregon’s truffle culture, encourage future participation, and inspire visitation during the winter.

Theatre 33 - Theatre 33 2026 Regional New Play Festival

Theater 33 will host the 2026 Regional New Play Festival on the campus of Willamette University (WU). The festival is the largest, most expansive new play festival in the Northwest. This project will draw patrons to attend the festival using robust marketing to target markets including Portland, Eugene, Vancouver, Corvallis, Bend, and Seattle. 

Westfir Lodge - Go West Summit 2026

Westfir Lodge will attend Go West Summit 2026, a B2B travel trade event connecting international tour operators with tourism suppliers to generate inbound tourism. This sponsorship will enable Westfir Lodge to attend the B2B global sales event, increasing group tour visits for the Willamette Valley region.