Getting the Grant

Left to right: Kristy Durso, Kristine McConnell, Camilo Navarro, Kimberly Danesi, Patrick Lennon, and Courtney Cacatian. (Photo by Jennifer Allen)

By Jennifer Allen

Grant funders and grant recipients converged to discuss the power of grants in enhancing accessibility and inclusion within travel destinations. KellyWolgamott, Director of Marketing with Travel Michigan, and Kevin Wright VP Marketing with Travel Oregon, represented grant funders. They came together with Patrick Lennon, Director of Marketing with Visit Fairfax, Courtney Cacatian, Executive Director for Charlottesville/Albemarle CVB, Kimberly Danesi, CTA and Interim CEO with Galveston Park Board, Camilo Navarro, Co-Founder of Wheel the World, and Kristine McConnell from Visit Central Oregon, to share tips and strategies for landing the grant.

During the discussion with industry experts and grant recipients, a wealth of insights were shared regarding the art of grant writing for inclusive hospitality. They emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships, alignment with accessibility goals, showcasing impact, leveraging technology, community engagement, and the necessity of robust measurement and evaluation processes. However, a poignant reminder emerged from their collective wisdom: accessibility should not be solely dependent on grants. Instead, it should be seamlessly integrated into regular funding and ongoing initiatives within the hospitality industry to create a truly inclusive environment, representative of the diverse population being welcomed. Every travel grant should include accessibility because the disabled are part of the traveler population.

Here are some of the key takeaways:

• Passion Matters: You need someone with the passion to carry a heavy burden through. 
• Include Disabled Travelers: Involve disabled travelers in your meetings and presentations to showcase the importance of accessibility and spark passion for the cause.
• Be Proactive: Don’t wait for grants to initiate change; consider using budget funds for accessibility improvements.
• Spread Awareness: Ensure that attractions within destinations are aware of grant opportunities for accessibility projects.
• Simplicity and Eligibility: Keep grant applications simple, and read the fine print to make sure your DMO qualifies and that you’re a good fit. 
• Pick up the Phone: It’s not only good for clarification, it puts your name forefront in the grant funder’s mind. 
• Attend the webinar: Learn all you can before completing the application.
• Diversify Funding: Don’t rely solely on grants; aim for 20% of your budget to impact accessibility.
• Risk Assessment: Evaluate risks associated with your grant proposal and be mindful of not overspending. Putting the grant together shouldn’t cost more than the return.
• Stay Informed: Attend webinars and stay updated on grant opportunities and requirements.
• Energy and Coffee: Approach grant applications with high energy and a cup of coffee – you need to be alert and focused.
• Use AI: Consider using AI tools for summarizing or enhancing your grant proposals.
• Build Relationships: Connect with grant providers to make them familiar with your cause and recognize your DMO’s commitment to accessibility and inclusion.
• Stay Organized: Many grant applications ask the same questions. Perfect your answers, save them in a Google Drive document, then copy and paste.
• Showcase Impact: Demonstrating how the grant will lead to improved accessibility and inclusivity. Use quantifiable metrics, such as the number of individuals benefiting.
• Support Your Community: Accessibility increases visitation, but it also benefits the local disability community. Make it a team effort.
• Go Small: Consider a lot of low-budget, easy changes that can be replicated on a wide spectrum.