STATE COLLEGE — Applications are now being accepted for the 2026-27 Tourism Grant program, The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau (HVAB) announced this week.

Conducted in partnership with Centre County Commissioners and funded by the lodging tax (Hotel Tax), paid for by those staying in Centre County’s hotels and lodging properties, the annual tourism grant program supports projects, events and initiatives designed to boost tourism and overnight visitation to the county.

Fritz Smith, president and CEO of The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau, said the grant pool for the 2026-27 program is expected to be nearly $1.2 million, slightly higher than the $1.1 million awarded to 81 grant recipients in 2025.

“A strong year for visitation to Happy Valley is reflected in another record year for the program,” Smith said. “It is encouraging to see events that are growing and attractions that are thriving because of tourism grant funding. This means more reasons for people to not only visit but extend their stay for a night or two. That is the intent of the program and the primary consideration for funding.”

Nonprofit organizations and government entities can apply for a Tourism Marketing Grant and/or a Tourism Enhancement Grant, the criteria for which are clearly defined in the new, streamlined online applications.

For-profit establishments are not eligible for tourism grant funds.

Smith said based on prior experience with grantees, compliance requirements and application review, both grant applications have been reworked to improve clarity and consistency.

“The goal was to make the process easier for applicants and more efficient for review by HVAB staff and the Tourism Grant Review Committee (TGRC), while still collecting the information needed to evaluate each request thoroughly,” Smith said.

The portal will remain open through the conclusion of businesses Friday, March 27. Tourism Grant recipients likely will be announced the week of June 22 following the TGRC review process and HVAB Board approval. To access the application portal, please visit happyvalley.com/grant-program. Tourism Grant questions should be directed to HVABgrantprogram@happyvalley.com.

Since 2003-04, the program has awarded more than $10.4 million to projects, events and initiatives that grow and enhance Happy Valley’s tourism.