TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – July 6, 2011 -

Less than two weeks remain to submit applications for the Tourist Development Council’s Special Event Grant Program, which is administered by Leon County Tourism Development, also known as Visit Tallahassee. The deadline for submitting applications is 5 p.m. Monday, July 18, 2011.

For the 2011-2012 fiscal year, there are three Special Event Grant categories: sporting events, special events and conferences. The grant program is designed to promote Tallahassee-Leon County as a preferred visitor destination.

To be considered for funding, the event must occur between October 1, 2011, and September 30, 2012, and must attract overnight visitors to Tallahassee-Leon County with a direct impact on transient lodging occupancy, including hotels and motels. Additional funding considerations include preference for events scheduled during traditionally low occupancy periods, the number of out-of-town visitors and the event’s scope and duration.

A decision on grant recipients will be made by the Tourist Development Council on Thursday, September 1, 2011. Applications will be available for download online at www.VisitTallahassee.com/meetings-and-events/meetings-funding-assistance-grants .

For more information, please contact Visit Tallahassee at (850) 606-2300.