Grants available to promote tourism, healthy lifestyles

Published 11:12 am Tuesday, January 14, 2025

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

By Jeanna Baxter White
Word Master Media Group

Davie County organizations have three opportunities to secure funding for projects that enhance local experiences and drive economic development.
Applications are open for the Davie County Tourism Grants, Mocksville Tourism Grants, and Davie County Recreation and Parks Community Recreation Agency Grants. Both non-profits and for-profits may apply.
Organizations can apply for grants from each organization, said Davie Chamber President Caroline Moser, Mocksville Director of Marketing and Community Development Jeannette Pitts, and Davie County Recreation and Parks Director Paul Moore.
• The Davie Chamber leverages the hotel occupancy tax to support projects that develop and promote tourism. The Davie Tourism Advisory Board reviews applications to identify initiatives that boost local attractions and potential tourist sites.
“Over the years, we have had the opportunity to support dozens of special organizations and programs,” said Moser. Previous recipients include concerts at Davie County Community Park, Cycling Davie events, and RiverPark at Cooleemee Falls.
The application deadline is Feb. 28 at 5 p.m. Submit the online Special Projects/Events Funding Request form at discoverdaviecounty.com. Handwritten or emailed submissions are not accepted. Awardees must provide a pre-recorded two-minute video highlighting goals and outcomes.Call 336-751-3304 for more information.
• The Mocksville Tourism Development Authority (MTDA) invites proposals for projects that attract visitors to Downtown Mocksville and surrounding areas. Previous grants have supported events like local festivals, outdoor movies and concerts.
“Our goal is to drive more visitors downtown and meet new people. There is so much to enjoy here in Downtown Mocksville,” Pitts said.
Application deadline: is March 7 at 5 p.m. Complete the Special Project Funding Request Form and Budget Form at mocksvillenc.gov. Submissions can be made online or in hard copy. Applicants must present a five-minute proposal on March 11 at 5:30 p.m. at the MTDA meeting. Decisions will be announced at the May board meeting. Email Pitts at jpitts@mocksvillenc.gov or call 336-753-6705.
• The Davie County Recreation and Parks (DCRP) Community Recreation Agency Grant supports projects that enhance wellness, fitness, and overall quality of life. Funding can be used for minor capital improvements and community programs, with applications undergoing a three-phase evaluation process.
“DCRP’s community recreation agency grant program promotes agencies seeking to enhance quality of life and recreational opportunities. If your agency is looking for minor capital improvements or programming activities and equipment to grow these initiatives, then this grant program is actively fit for you,” said Moore.
Examples of past awardees: Cognition of Davie, $29,000 for shade sails and big blue block learning equipment; RiverPark at Cooleemee Falls. $11,000 for canoe portage, river flag advisory, and picnic shelter (matching funds required); Camp Manna, $9,000 for obstacle course additions, life jackets, and picnic tables; Sheffield Calahaln Recreation, $8,000 for playground equipment, site amenities.
Application deadline: is Feb. 14 at 11:59 p.m. Late submissions will not be considered. Submit the online application at daviecountync.gov/DCRPGrant. Watch a training video that will guide you through each section of the grant application. Email RecTeam@daviecountync.gov or call 336-753-8326.