Event Sponsorship Funding

Aberdeen Hotel Alliance Event Sponsorship Funding Criteria, Requirements, and Restrictions

Goals & Objectives

The Aberdeen Hotel Alliance, supported by the city’s occupancy tax, is dedicated to fostering economic and cultural growth in the Aberdeen area. Administered by the Aberdeen Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Executive Director and guided by the Board of Directors, the Alliance focuses on enhancing and promoting events that attract overnight guests.

The mission centers on marketing diverse events—cultural, ethnic, historical, educational, and recreational—that resonate with both visitors and the local community. By prioritizing events with broad appeal, the Alliance aims to boost tourism and support the area’s hotels while enriching the overall visitor experience.

Criteria

Event funding and organizational sponsorships through the Aberdeen Hotel Alliance Special Events Funding may be granted to events and organizations that:

1. Host Events in Aberdeen: Events must take place within the Aberdeen area to be eligible for funding.
2. Encourage Overnight Stays: Initiatives should attract out-of-town visitors, fostering overnight stays in local accommodations.
3. Support New or Enhanced Events: Priority will be given to events that are new to Aberdeen (3 years or fewer) or existing events that are expanded or enhanced to increase duration or appeal.
4. Demonstrate Economic Return: Proposals should provide a strong “rate of return,” comparing the requested funding amount with anticipated total revenue generated from out-of-town visitors.
5. Promote Tourism: Events must actively promote tourism in Aberdeen, highlighting the area’s attractions and cultural offerings.
6. Show Additional Fundraising Efforts: Organizations should present evidence of additional fundraising initiatives to support the event, demonstrating a commitment to financial sustainability.

By meeting these criteria, events can strengthen their applications for support from the Aberdeen Hotel Alliance.

Requirements

Special event funding and organizational sponsorship applications through the Aberdeen Hotel Alliance must adhere to the following requirements:

1. Application Deadline: Sponsorship funding applications must be submitted at least 120 days before the event to ensure proper promotion. Late submissions will be denied.
2. Application Form: The Aberdeen Hotel Alliance Funding Application form must be completed by a member of the requesting organization.
3. Board Presentation: Applicants may need to attend an Aberdeen Hotel Alliance Board meeting to present their event and answer questions.
4. Promotional Materials: Applicants are required to provide copies of all advertising and promotional materials, including a comprehensive list of all media used (radio, television, banners, etc.).
5. Use of Funds: Funding from the Aberdeen Hotel Alliance must be allocated solely for the event specified in the application, with the exception of approved organizational and event sponsorships.
6. Budget Submission: An itemized budget or financial proposal must be included to demonstrate financial need; without it, support will not be considered.
7. Date and Nature Changes: Any changes in the event’s date, time, or nature may lead to forfeiture of funding.
8. Event Date Compliance: If the funded event does not occur on the approved dates, the funded sponsorship must be returned to the Aberdeen Hotel Alliance, unless prior notification of date changes has been provided and approved.
9. Acknowledgment of Sponsors: The Aberdeen Hotel Alliance and the Aberdeen Area Convention & Visitors Bureau must be recognized in all promotional materials at the same level as any other sponsors.

By following these guidelines, organizations can ensure their applications for funding and sponsorship are considered.

Restrictions

Funds from the Aberdeen Hotel Alliance cannot be used to support organizations that discriminate based on race, religion, creed, gender, gender identity, age, veteran status, physical challenge, or national origin. Additionally, funds are not provided for:

1. Individuals: Support for personal expenses or individual projects.
2. Religious Organizations: Funding for religious groups that are not convention-related.
3. Political Parties or Candidates: Support for any political activities or campaigns.
4. Capital Campaigns: Funding aimed at major building or renovation projects.
5. Endowment Funds: Contributions to endowment funds for organizations.
6. Conferences, Workshops, or Seminars: Events not directly related to the mission of the Aberdeen Hotel Alliance.
7. Payouts, Prizes, Purses, or Scholarships: Monetary awards or prizes for competitions.
8. Fundraisers: General fundraising events that do not align with the mission.

These guidelines ensure that funding is allocated to projects that promote community engagement and inclusivity.

The Aberdeen Hotel Alliance Board reserves the right to limit any and all funding, regardless of prior funding history or event sponsorship. Additionally, the Board may discontinue or modify all or any portion of this funding policy at any time. This flexibility allows the Board to adapt to changing circumstances and community needs.

If you believe your event or attraction meets the outlined criteria, requirements, and restrictions, please complete the Aberdeen Hotel Alliance Sponsorship Funding application. Please note that funding or sponsorship granted in previous years does not guarantee funding in future years. Thank you for your interest in supporting our community!

The Aberdeen Hotel Alliance Board will make the determination on event funding or organizational sponsorship after we receive the Sponsorship Funding Application.