The Columbus-Lowndes Convention and Visitors Bureau board of directors approved new grant guidelines Thursday that will take full effect during the 2012-13 fiscal year.
However, the board said this fiscal year will be a time of transition into the changes so community members will know how to apply for grants to advertise and market their tourism events.
Notable changes include requiring applicants to be registered with the state secretary of state’s office for nonprofit status and limiting to two grant-presentation meetings a year.
Board Vice President Mark Castleberry, who headed the subcommittee that revised grant guidelines, said the changes are to encourage a more businesslike approach to handling grant money. It should also make the process easier, more efficient and fairer for those seeking money.
Other changes include capping grants at $15,000 and a pre-approval process that will involve assistance from CVB staff.
CVB Executive Director Nancy Carpenter said she will be happy to work with applicants to make sure their applications are complete and in compliance with the guidelines before they are formally submitted to the board.
Changes also include a review of all applications by a four-member subcommittee that will make recommendations to the full board.
The board convened for a special meeting on Thursday, without Whirllie Byrd and Harvey Myrick, who were unable to attend. The next regular board meeting will be Dec. 19 at 4 p.m. at CVB offices behind the Tennessee Williams Welcome Center on Main Street.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 37 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.