Event Funding

The JHTTB allocates public funding to local (Teton County, WY) events to promote, market, and produce events taking place in fall, winter, and spring. Thanks to the money collected from the lodging tax, many community character events have been partially funded. The JHTTB has traditionally allocated between $600,000 and $1.9 million each year to assist local events that occur from around the last weekend in September through the first weekend of June. Specific funding date ranges are updated yearly.

More Information

For events between September 23, 2023 – December 31, 2023 applications must be submitted by February 28, 2023. For events between January 1 – June 8, 2024 applications must be submitted by June 30, 2023.

Individual events can receive JHTTB funding between $1,000 and $75,000+ depending on the event type and the expected event attendance and community impact. “Community Events” are eligible for funding between $1,000 and $5,000, “Large Events” are eligible for funding between $5,000 and $75,000, and “Signature Events” are eligible for over $75,000 in funding. For more information on each event category, see “Event Categories” below on this page.

To apply for funding, events must complete an application within the correct funding window. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Eligibility requirements include but are not limited to:

The event takes place within Teton County, WY.

The event takes place between the second-to-last weekend of September and the first weekend of June.

The event is accessible to the public (this may include free access or ticketed access that is available to all. The JHTTB does not fund private or exclusive events.)

The event is inclusive to all attendees and does not explicitly or implicitly discriminate.

The main purpose of the event is to contribute to the unique character of the community OR drive visitation to Teton County, WY. While JHTTB-funded events can result in net profit, their main purpose should not be to raise funds for a business or organization.

The event organizers agree to use JHTTB funding only to cover event promotions, marketing, and staging of events.

Event organizers agree they will not request funding to be used for capital projects or alcohol expenses. See below for more information reimbursable expenses.

The event organizers submit an online application, including an event overview, budget, and marketing plan, that will be reviewed by the committee and made publicly accessible.

Any requests over $75,000 will be presented to the full JHTTB for full Board review and approval at a monthly public meeting.

The event organizers agree to complete an online recap report after the event, including an event overview, an actualized P&L, and results of the event marketing efforts. This recap will be reviewed by the committee and made publicly accessible.

The event organizers understand that awarded funds will be made as a reimbursement to expenses paid by the recipient. This reimbursement process can take 1-3 months after the event takes place and receipts are submitted.

The event organizers agree to the funding conditions and reimbursement process as outlined in the Event Agreement.

More information

The Jackson Hole Travel & Tourism Board Special Events Committee does not currently fund events taking place in the summer. The JHTTB full board MAY fund events and programs that take place regardless of time of year that meet Board mission and goals, but these must be presented and approved by the full board in a regularly-scheduled monthly meeting. For more information and qualifications for projects that can be presented to the full Board, email lodgingtax@tetoncountywy.gov.

Marketing expenses

Include any expenses that directly market the event.

Common examples include local media advertising (Buckrail, News & Guide, magazine, radio, etc.), paid social media, paid search campaigns, etc.

Marketing expenses that cannot be reimbursed include any expenses that cannot be directly attributed to the event (example: a magazine ad promoting the organization rather than the event).

Promotional expenses

Include any items intended to directly promote the event.

Common examples include event banners, mailers & brochures, event shirts, medals, or other paraphernalia given away at the event.

Promotional expenses that cannot be reimbursed include items sold at the event and expenses that cannot be directly attributed to the event.

Staging of events expenses

Include expenses required to host the event.

Common examples include venue rental, talent, event rentals, audio-visual for the event, food, lodging, and airfare for event staff and/or talent.

Staging of events expenses that cannot be reimbursed include alcohol, regular staff salaries, capital expenses, and any

expenses that cannot be directly attributed to the event.

The JHTTB is an opportunistic Board that considers funding requests year-round if they align with the Board’s mission and vision, and if they fall within the guidelines of the state statute. Requests that are considered marketing and/or visitor management, or that exceed $75,000, require a presentation to the full Board during a regularly-scheduled monthly meeting and must be approved by unanimous vote. Requests need to be received at least three months in advance to be considered. For more information, contact lodgingtax@tetoncountywy.gov

Wyoming State Statute: lodging tax funds can only be used “To promote travel and tourism within the county, city, or town imposing the tax. Expenditures for travel and tourism promotion shall be limited to promotional materials, television and radio advertising, printed advertising, promotion of tours, staging of events, educational materials, and other specific tourism-related objectives, including those identified as likely to facilitate tourism or enhance the visitor experience provided that none of these funds shall be spent for capital construction or improvements.”