Ridgeland Event Sponsorship Program

The goal of this program is to help fund the promotion of attractions, special events and festivals that attract visitors to Ridgeland to stay overnight in our hotels.

• Applications for FY25 must be postmarked by July 1, 2024, or delivered that day by 3:00 p.m. Applicants will be notified by August 17, 2024, of having been awarded sponsorship funds.
• Funding may be used for advertising, promotion, and production expenses. The Ridgeland Tourism Commission prohibits the use of our sponsorship funding for facilities and administrative costs. While the program is not limited to non-profits, no money will be granted for the direct profit of the applicant organization.
• Funding will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis with available funds for the year.
• Funding will be distributed at 50% upon approval from the Ridgeland Tourism Commission Event Committee and the remaining 50% funding will be distributed after submission of the event follow up report to Ridgeland Tourism Commission.
• All events funded by the Ridgeland Tourism Commission must include the RTC logo, provided by RTC, in an appropriate size in relation to event sponsor guidelines. The RTC logo should be placed on all promotional materials prior to event, during event and post event communication. Failure to comply with this requirement will disqualify the event organization from future funding assistance for three years.
• In case of cancellation of event for any reason other than weather-related cancellations, funds will be returned to Ridgeland Tourism Commission within 30 days.
• An itemized budget for the proposed event for which the funds are requested is required as part of the Sponsorship Application.
• A final report post event is required to account for the funds spent and a report on the event’s outcome. The final report should be received from the grantees within 30 days of the conclusion of the event. The report needs to include attendance figures, estimated attendees from outside Ridgeland, and an overall evaluation of the event.
• Emphasis will be given to sponsorship applications that maximize the number of visitors who come to Ridgeland, especially if overnight accommodation is needed.
• The Ridgeland Tourism Commission seeks to represent the broadest possible constituency, including people from a range of backgrounds and points of view. RTC does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, genetic information, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or status as a veteran. Ridgeland Tourism Commission provides funding to sovereign participating organization to help accomplish its mission. RTC expects all participating organizations to comply with applicable nondiscrimination laws while upholding an image of hospitality and visitor engagement.
• Applicants are encouraged to ensure they understand the guidelines of the sponsorship, specifically the requirements for the event sponsorship final report. Should the recipient have any questions, they are encouraged to meet with Ridgeland Tourism Commission no later than two weeks prior to submitting the application.

(100% maximum available) The Ridgeland Tourism Commission Event Committee will consider applications according to the following criteria:

• Commitment to Tourism in Ridgeland (25%) - Eligible recipients are those that target visitors from outside Ridgeland for the specific purpose of generating room nights and sales among food and beverage businesses in Ridgeland.
• Regional Promotion (25%) – A detailed marketing plan designed to increase awareness of the event in regional media. The event’s branding and promotion generates year-round value to Ridgeland and encourages visitors to visit outside the event dates as well. Packaging of hotels, dining, shopping, and attractions will also be evaluated.
• Soundness of Proposed Event (20%) – Clearly identified objectives, assigned responsibilities and accountability with a realistic timetable for implementation and additional funding sources.
• Stability and Management Capacity (15%) – A proven record of demonstrated capacity to develop resources, plan, organize and implement a planned event.
• Quality and ROI (15%) – Event has been planned with community partners to maximize the return on investment for a significant economic impact to Ridgeland with socio-economic diversity.

**Please note that this is a competitive sponsorship program. It is imperative that the above criteria be met to be considered for funding.