Image showing Partner Event Grant Program

Partner Event Grant Program

Statement of Purpose:

* This application period is closed. The next grant cycle will open on August 1, 2025. *


The Bismarck-Mandan Convention & Visitors Bureau (BMCVB) is offering grants to meetings and events held in Bismarck-Mandan. The purpose is to provide financial assistance to qualified groups or organizations that promote the community by hosting meetings and events that provide economic benefits to Bismarck-Mandan. These events must attract out-of-town attendees and provide overnight stays in our community. Funds may be used for marketing, hospitality or operations. Sporting clubs may include their entire season in one application.

Grant Guidelines:

  • Groups must apply; no individuals will be awarded grants
  • Dollars awarded are based on room nights generated, with a minimum of $500 awarded:
    • Event must be a minimum of two days and
    • Generate a minimum of 200 total room nights
  • Event Information:
    • Name of event(s)
    • Is the event state, regional or national?
    • How long is the event; what are the dates?
    • What is the projected attendance?
    • How many room nights do you anticipate being utilized per night and in total?
    • Which facilities do you plan to use for this?
    • Are other partners or groups involved with hosting this event?
    • Is this a feeder event? For example: ND Trapshooting Association must host a successful state tournament to qualify to host a national tournament.
  • History of the event, if not new:
    • Has the BMCVB provided any support in the past, and if so, what?
    • How long has the event taken place?
    • Where has the event been held? Both main location(s) and break-out events, if applicable.
    • What are the past room night and attendance numbers?
    • Anything else that you think is pertinent to this section.
  • Organization must provide:
    • A plan on how they will target and draw non-local attendees and/or visitors
    • Zip/postal code report of attendees/participants from previous year(s) (does not apply to first-time events)
    • Filled out W-9.

How the BMCVB can help your event:

  • The BMCVB logo is available to be used as sponsor recognition in advertising and marketing materials.
  • The BMCVB will list your event on the Calendar of Events section of their website if you would like and if you fill out the information at: www.noboundariesnd.com/events/submit/
  • If you provide specific information and imagery, the BMCVB may issue a Facebook post promoting your event.


Application Windows:

  • The first round of grants support events taking place January 1st through June 30th. The application window for those events will open in September of the previous year and will close on November 15th.
  • The second round of grants support events taking place July 1st through December 31st. The application window for those events will open in March of that year and will close on May 15th.
  • All decisions will be announced June 15th and December 15th, respectively, to each grant cycle. An email will be sent to the requester and an official letter will follow with the grant check.
 

Grant Payment:

  • ONLY COMPLETE, WRITTEN APPLICATIONS WILL BE CONSIDERED FOR FUNDING.
  • If awarded, you must let us know who to write the check out to.
  • The BMCVB reserves the right to approve or reject requests and/or ask for further clarification of the project by the requesting group.
  • The BMCVB will review grant applications and contact entities within 30 days of the application window end-date, as to whether they are awarded a grant. If awarded, the entity will receive half of the amount granted when accepted, and half when completed.
  • If at any time projects are not being performed within the scope of the approved application, or the project is cancelled, the subject grant will be nullified, and no remaining funds will be issued by the BMCVB.
  • If the actual room nights are not at least 75% of proposed room nights, the organization’s eligibility for funding may be reduced by 20% and withheld from the final payment. It is up to the organization to show proof of room nights generated.
  • Within 30 days of the event completion a final funding letter of request must be sent to the BMCVB. The applicant must include a summary of the event, along with photos and/or video footage that the BMCVB has rights of usage, to receive the second half of funding. The BMCVB reserves the right to ask for a financial statement of the event, upon its completion.

For questions or for more information:
Sheri Grossman
Email: sheri@BMCVB.com
Phone: 701-557-7120