The Starkville Visitors & Convention Council (VCC) Sponsorship Grant Program is an annual allocation designed to enhance tourism promotion efforts in Starkville. The program provides funds for marketing and other qualified expenses for projects and events that positively impact the City of Starkville and ultimately, increase overnight travel to the city.
The Starkville VCC invests annually into the grant program and has historically funded programs and events such as:
- Mississippi Horse Park
- Starkville Area Arts Council
- Oktibbeha County Heritage Museum
- Starkville Community Theater
- Starkville Soccer Association
- Frostbite Half Marathon
- Charles H. Templeton Ragtime and Jazz Festival
- Rotary Classic Rodeo
Program Categories
There are two (2) categories of the Starkville VCC Sponsorship Grant Program:
Sponsored Programs
All organizations, events, or programs applying for the first time; having received funding for one or two consecutive years; having received funding for non-consecutive years; or that have been denied for the Sustaining Grant or Dues categories should apply in the Sponsored Programs category.
Sustaining Grants
Organizations, events, or programs are eligible for the Sustaining Grant category if they have received three (3) consecutive years of funding from the Starkville VCC. If approved for the Sustaining Grant category, organizations, events, or programs will receive a commitment of dedicated funding for a three (3) year period.
FY23 Sponsorship Grant Deadline Calendar
Eligible organizations, programs, or events applying for funding must occur from October 1, 2022, to September 30, 2023.
| June 1, 2022 | Application process begins for the FY 2023 Sponsorship Grant |
| July 8, 2022 | Application Priority Deadline* |
| September 1, 2022 | Target date for notifying FY 2023 Sponsorship Grant applicants |
| September 30, 2023 | Deadline for final reporting** |
* If SPONSORSHIP GRANT funding has not been fully allocated by the priority deadline, additional applications will be accepted throughout the 2023 Fiscal Year or until all funds are depleted. Projects with applications submitted by the stated deadline will receive priority in funding decisions.
** A final report must be provided within 30 days of project completion or by September 30, 2023, whichever comes first.
Downloads
Questions
If you have any questions regarding the Starkville VCC Sponsorship Program Guidelines and/or application, please contact The Partnership at 323-3322.
