Tourist Development Tax (TDT) Capital Challenge Grant Program (CCGP)
Due to the drop in Tourist Development Tax revenue as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Broward County Board of County Commissioners has temporarily suspended this program until fiscal year 2022, or until such time that revenues allow for its reinstatement.
What may be fund
For requests to the Second Midyear application cycle:
(A) Project funds may be used to acquire, construct, extend, enlarge, remodel, repair, improve, or maintain tourist-oriented facilities, including convention centers, sports stadiums, sports arenas, coliseums, auditoriums, aquariums, or museums that are publicly owned and operated, or owned and operated by NPOs and open to the public, within the boundaries of Broward County. (B) Applicants must demonstrate how the projects will enhance Broward County as a tourist destination and thereby generate hotel and motel (lodging) "bed nights". (C) Applicants must provide matching funds via cash contributions in a minimum ratio of 1:1. (D) Project timelines may not exceed three (3) years from notification of award from the County.
See guidelines for specific application and reporting requirements.
Who May Apply:
(A) (1) Must be a NPO qualified to do business in Florida. (2) Which is has tax-exempt status under Section 501(c) subsections (3), (4), (5), (6) or (7) of the Internal Revenue Code. (3) A copy of the most recent IRS determination letter must accompany the application, to confirm tax-exempt status. (4) Which has a governing board which meets regularly and operates under a set of bylaws, and has fifty percent (50%) of governing board members residing in Broward County (5) Which must have a bank checking account confirmed at the time of application. (6) Whose principal office address, as recorded in the Secretary of State's Office, is in Broward County with a minimum of one (1) full-time staff position in that office.
(B) A public entity located primarily in Broward County, which is a municipality, state government agency, or political subdivision of state government, or sovereign Native American Nation; however, evidence of impact on countywide tourism and economic development must be demonstrable.
(C) A consortium or alliance or organizations may apply for a challenge incentive; however, all members of the consortium or alliance must meet all eligibility requirements. One (1) organization must be the lead applicant.
All applicants must submit detailed business plans, financial reports and other information that clearly demonstrate the following:
Review Criteria:
(a) Sufficiency of marketing plan/strategy.
(b) Scope and reach of organization.
(c) Community need.
(d) Number of projected hotel room nights generated annually within the boundaries of Broward County.
(e) Contribution to Broward County's reputation as an attractive destination for tourists.
(f) Organizational capacity and financial stability of applicant(s).
(g) Appropriate documentation of all funding sources (e.g., cash match and other in-kind).
(h) Priority will be given to projects that:
- Are shovel ready (already designed and permitted, including that the applicant has received all governmental and/or regulatory permits);
- Exceed the 2:1 match requirement;
- Achieve geographic distribution of TDT Capital Challenge Grant Program dollars across Broward County; or
- Demonstrate substantial funding commitment to out-of-market advertising and promotion of Broward County with the intent of attracting overnight visitors to hotel(s) within Broward County.
(i) Ability to demonstrate legal proof of ownership or the right to undisturbed use of the leased property for the minimum number of remaining years on the lease period indicated above, and documentation and written explanation of any easements, covenants, or other conditions affecting the use of the site or facility, or both. The documentation may be in the form of an executed copy of a lease, deed, agreement for deed, title, or copy of a recent tax statement. If the application is for acquisition, the application must include a description of the site or facility, purchase price, and a letter of intent or contract to sell signed by the seller.
(j) Documented need for renovation or expansion, or completed feasibility study for project based on acquisition and new construction.
(k) Completed preliminary drawings or completed architectural plans.
(l) Demonstrates consistency with the Broward County community's local cultural action plan.
(m) Project has historic or architectural significance.
(n) Project reflects energy efficient use in design and operation.
(o) Applicant is an established organization/entity with no negative grant history.
(p) Applicant has or will employ qualified professional staff for the provision of programming and services.
Only applications receiving a narrative rating of "High" or "Medium" may be considered for funding during the Second Application Cycle. Applications receiving a "High" rating shall be funded before consideration of "Medium" rated applications. Within any rating category ("High" or "Medium"), the first dollars awarded in the Second Application Cycle shall be given to any projects that have not, in the previous five (5) years, been awarded TDTCCGP funds.
