Apply for 2023 Kirkland Tourism Funding by August 8

Published on June 20, 2022

Explore-Kirkland

Media Contact:
David Wolbrecht
Communications Program Manager
dwolbrecht@kirklandwa.gov 
(425) 587-3021

The Kirkland Tourism Development Committee (TDC) announced the launch of the 2023 Explore Kirkland tourism grant application process, open now through Monday, August 8.

The Explore Kirkland Tourism Program grants marketing and operations funds to special events and festivals that demonstrate the ability to attract visitors from over 50 miles away and generate overnight stays. The program supports and promotes events that showcase the city’s best assets while fostering a love of Kirkland, inspiring guests to come back time and time again. The program is funded by the lodging tax collected by Kirkland hotels, motels and short-term rentals, which enables them all to share in both the costs and the benefits of tourism promotion.

In past years, the program has awarded funding to numerous treasured Kirkland events including the Junior Softball World Series, Kirkland Summerfest, Kirkland Uncorked, Kirkland Oktoberfest, the 4th of July event “Celebrate Kirkland,” and many more.

As in years past, the TDC will award a total of up to $60,000 in 2023 event grants. Beginning last year, the TDC revised the criteria for evaluating proposals to focus on multiday competitive tournament-style events – athletic or otherwise – along with new events and those that promote diversity and inclusivity. Additionally, the criteria continue to give serious consideration to established events with proven track records of bringing visitors to the city.

“As we continue to recover from the pandemic shutdowns, we’re anxious to return to a full schedule of events in 2023 that will draw guests to our beautiful lakeside community and help support our businesses,” said Tourism Development Committee Chair and City Councilmember Toby Nixon.  “We look forward to reviewing the grant applications and continuing to support efforts that make Kirkland a wonderful community to visit.”

Event organizers may visit the city’s Tourism Funding webpage for information on grant funding criteria and to access the 2023 online grant application. Applications must be submitted by 5 p.m., Monday, August 8. Questions about the tourism grant application process may be sent to Tourism Program staff at tourism@kirklandwa.gov.

The Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 67.28.180 provides authority for cities to adopt a lodging tax.  The City of Kirkland has adopted a 1 percent lodging tax rate and may invest these revenues into events that attract visitors to Kirkland. Kirkland’s Tourism Program has been in operation since 2002. During that time, over $700,000 has been granted to tourism events and programs. The lodging tax also funds the city tourism web site https://www.explorekirkland.com and other tourism promotion activities.