Agenda Item Name:
Title
Request Approval of the Local Sports Destination Enhancement Grant Program Application
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Presenter:
Jessica Hurov
Description:
The Local Sports Destination Enhancement Grant Program supports local sports organizations and events which have as one of their main purposes the attraction of tourists as evidenced by the promotion of the event to tourists. The Local Sports Destination Enhancement Grant Program broadens and supplements the County’s existing investment in sports organizations and events via the Gainesville Sports Commission.
The Gainesville Sports Commission President and Director have reviewed the Local Sports Destination Enhancement Grant Application and have agreed to designate three board members to evaluate and score the applications for the 2020-2021 Fiscal year.
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approve the FY21 Local Sports Destination Enhancement Grant application as presented, which will be funded by Tourist Development Tax revenue. All applications received by the County will be presented to the Board for approval and legislative determination that they serve a public purpose and are primarily related to the promotion of tourism in Alachua County.
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Prior Board Motions:
The Local Sports Destination Enhancement Grant Program Application aligns with the Nature and Culture Destination Enhancement Grant program guidelines, whereby the maximum grant request is based on a percentage of the organization’s budget. Annual attendance figures are a major scoring criterion. The previous application was approved on August 27, 2019.
The FY21 Local Sports Destination Enhancement Grant application has been updated to streamline the application process and clarify required budgetary, organizational documentation and eligibility criteria. It does not alter the application questions, funding request levels or application process that was previously approved on the FY20 grant application.
Fiscal Consideration:
Fiscal Consideration
The total available award amount for the FY21 Local Sports Destination Enhancement Grant program is $130,000.00. There is sufficient funding available.
Fund# 005.45.4530.552
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Background:
In accordance with §125.0104, Florida Statutes, the County has allocated a portion of Tourist Development Tax to create and fund the Local Sports Destination Enhancement Grant Program, the purpose of which is to promote, advertise and support activities, services and events that have as one of their main purposes the attraction of tourists to Alachua County.
The Local Sports Destination Enhancement Grant Program provides support to local sports organizations and sporting events. Government and educational entities are not eligible to apply. The Gainesville Sports Commission Executive Board has reviewed the Local Sports Destination Enhancement Grant Application and has agreed to designate three members to be the scorers of the applications for the 2020-2021 Fiscal year. The names of the three scorers will be provided to the County Manager, who will appoint the panel that will score the grants and make funding recommendations to the County Commission.