Due to Covid 19
Cass County Tourism, through the collection of Nebraska Lodging Tax, is able to fund Marketing and Capital Improvement Grants to non-profit organizations each year. Sadly this year lodging has been impacted greatly from the result of the Covid 19 pandemic.
To help get Cass County moving forward Tourism wants to open enrollment for our Marketing Grant program at this time. Funding is noticeably not as abundant as in years past so awards will be dependent upon number of applications submitted and funds available at that time.
However, we will not offer a 2021 Capital Improvement Grant and hope it will resume next year with the return of lodging to our county. This has no effect on any prior Capital awards as those funds were established prior to the Covid 19 pandemic.
How To Apply
APPLICATION PROCESS:
All applicants are required to submit the standard application form and required attachments by the posted deadline date(s).
DEADLINES:
All applications must be received or postmarked no later than the deadline date. No exceptions will be made to this policy. Applications sent via fax will not be accepted. Emailing your application is proffered and request everything be in a single document either PDF or a Word .doc.
2021 Marketing Grant Application – Deadline to apply: January 31, 2021
2021 CIP Guidelines Intent – Not available
The Program
Administered by the Cass County Tourism Committee (an advisory group to the Cass county Board of Commissioners), the annual grant program is designed to promote tourism in the county by providing funding to tourism-related nonprofit organizations. There are two categories of grants available: Capital Improvement Projects & Marketing.
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT GRANT
The purpose of this grant is to attract additional visitors to Cass County by providing funding to improve Cass County’s public and nonprofit attractions. The funds available through this grant are provided from the Visitors Improvement Fund lodging tax, and are for capital improvements to attractions and recreational facilities only. Granted monies shall be used for a new structure, preservation of an existing structure or new equipment built or installed to permanently add or enhance value and/or capacity to the site.
Eligibility & Criteria for Assistance:
- Public organizations with nonprofit 501(c)3 or other non-profit designation. Proof of nonprofit status must accompany application. The project must expand, improve or add to an existing attraction or create a new attraction that is open to the public and is of educational, cultural, historical, artistic, and/or recreational significance.
- Organization must not have an open project that they have been awarded previously.
- The project must promote tourism and generate visibility for Cass County.
- Project must be completed within 18 months of grant award date: Oct. 15, 2014. Request for extension will only be considered by written request to Cass County Tourism Committee prior to 18-month deadline.
- Grant requires a 50% match with up to 25% total of in-kind receipted donated materials and documented in-kind/volunteer labor (valued at $10.00 per hour).
- “Funded in part by Cass County Tourism” must appear permanently at the project site.
- It is the sole responsibility of the Grantee to obtain all necessary local and state permits.
- A report including updated project narrative and actual expenses must be submitted to the Cass County Tourism Committee no later than 60 days after project completion.
- Grant payment will be made based upon documentation of actual expenditures.
MARKETING GRANT
The purpose of this grant is to attract additional visitors to Cass County by providing funding to promote events, activities and/or general marketing for Cass County’s public and nonprofit attractions. The funds available through this program are from the collection of Lodging Tax in Cass County. The statute states that these funds are to be used to generally promote, encourage, and attract visitors to Cass County and to use tourism facilities. It specifically states that these funds cannot be used for capital construction or improvements. Each Grant request may not exceed 2,500.00. All eligible marketing expenses must be documented and will be reimbursed at a rate of 75%, not to exceed the $2,500.00 maximum. Only one marketing grant may be submitted for each project. Budget must accompany application.
Eligibility & Criteria for Assistance:
- Public organizations with nonprofit 501(c)3 or other non-profit designation. Proof of nonprofit status must accompany application.
- Funds are available on a competitive basis to any visitor attraction, community event, or area (more than one community) event held within Cass County with 501(c) (3) or other nonprofit status whose primary purpose is to encourage tourism and promote Cass County.
- Priority will be given to events that encourage visitors from outside our area.
- Grant project must be completed within calendar year.
Marketing Grants Awarded
March 3, 2020 the following Grants were given final approved by the Cass County Commissioners for Visitor Promotion in Cass County.
American Legion Post 247 – $1,102.50
Marketing – Events
Bess Streeter Aldrich Foundation – $2,500.00
Marketing – Events
B.U.I.L.D. (Businesses United In Louisville’s Development) – $2,500.00
Advertising – Last Hot Sunday in July Car Show
Cass County Agricultural Society – $2,500.00
Marketing – Cass County Fair
Eagle Vision – $2,226.570
Marketing – Eagle Fun Days
Elmwood-Murdock Merchants Association – $2,475.00
Marketing – Elmwood Holiday Extravaganza
Elmwood-Murdock Merchants Association – $2,475.00
Marketing – Murdock July 4th Celebration
Friends of Lewis & Clark Bicentennial – $2,500.00
Advertising – Lewis & Clark County Brochures and Posters
Lofte Community Theatre – $2,500.00
Marketing – Season Flyers
Murray Freedom Festival – $562.50
Marketing – July 4th Celebration.
Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries – $2,500.00
Marketing – Summer Camps- Conference space promotions
Nebraska Story Arts – $750.00
Marketing – Moonshell Storytelling Festival at Mahoney State Park National and regional storytellers will take part to preserve the art of storytelling
Plattsmouth Chamber of Commerce – $2,500.00
Marketing – Events
Plattsmouth Conservancy – $2,500.00
Marketing – Events
Plattsmouth Recreation Department – $1,200.00
Marketing – Brochures outside of Cass County and Advertising
Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum – $2,500.00
Marketing – Events
Village of Manley – $2,062.50
Pillage the Village Event
Weeping Water Chamber of Commerce – $1,518.53
Marketing – Events Promotion
TOTAL: $36,872.60
American Legion Post 247 – $1,273.19
Marketing – 2019 Events
Bess Streeter Aldrich Foundation – $2,186.38
Marketing – 2019 Events
B.U.I.L.D. (Businesses United In Louisville’s Development) – $2,500.00
Advertising – Last Hot Sunday in July Car Show
Cass County Agricultural Society – $2,500.00
Marketing – 2017 Cass County Fair
Eagle Vision – $1,250.00
Marketing – Eagle Fun Days
Elmwood Public Library – $503.00
Summer Fun Community Kickoff
Elmwood-Murdock Merchants Association – $1,997.50
Marketing – Elmwood Holiday Extravaganza
Elmwood-Murdock Merchants Association – $1,250.00
Marketing – Murdock July 4th Celebration
Friends of Lewis & Clark Bicentennial – $2,500.00
2017 Advertising – Lewis & Clark County Brochures and Posters
Plattsmouth Harvest Festival – $2,500.00
Advertising – 2019 Event
Lofte Community Theatre – $2,500.00
Marketing – Season Flyers
Murray Freedom Festival – $1,375.00
Marketing – July 4th Celebration.
Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries – $2,500.00
Marketing – Summer Camps- Conference space promotions
Nebraska Story Arts – $1,331.25
Marketing – Moonshell Storytelling Festival at Mahoney State Park National and regional storytellers will take part to preserve the art of storytelling
Plattsmouth Chamber of Commerce – $2,500.00
Marketing – 2019 Events
Plattsmouth Conservancy – $1,o00.00
Marketing – 2019 Events
Plattsmouth Recreation Department – $745.00
Marketing – Brochures outside of Cass County
Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum – $2,500.00
National Space Day Celebration
Village of Manley – $1,212.50
Pillage the Village Event
Weeping Water Chamber of Commerce – $990.00
Marketing – Events Promotion
Weeping Water Valley Historical Society – $562.50
Marketing – Rack Cards
TOTAL: $35,176.32
American Legion Post 247 – $1,488.75
Marketing – 2017 Events
Bess Streeter Aldrich Foundation – $1,577.30
Marketing – 2017 Events
B.U.I.L.D. (Businesses United In Louisville’s Development) – $2,500.00
Advertising – Last Hot Sunday in July Car Show
Cass County Agricultural Society – $2,500.00
Marketing – 2017 Cass County Fair
Eagle Vision – $2,500.00
Marketing – Eagle Fun Days
Elmwood Public Library – $487.50
Stories on the Street – Shakespeare Festival
Elmwood-Murdock Merchants Association – $2,332.50
Marketing – Elmwood Holiday Extravaganza
Elmwood-Murdock Merchants Association – $2,332.50
Marketing – Murdock July 4th Celebration
Friends of Lewis & Clark Bicentennial – $2,500.00
2017 Advertising – Lewis & Clark County Brochures and Posters
Kass Kounty King Korn Klub – $2,500.00
Advertising – 2017 Plattsmouth Harvest Festival
Lofte Community Theatre – $2,500.00
Marketing – 2017 Newspaper Advertising
Murray Freedom Festival – $1,350.00
Marketing – July 4th Celebration.
Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries – $1,875.00
Marketing – Summer Camps- Conference space promotions
Nebraska Story Arts – $1,500.00
Marketing – Moonshell Storytelling Festival at Mahoney State Park National and regional storytellers will take part to preserve the art of storytelling
Plattsmouth Chamber of Commerce – $2,500.00
Marketing – 2017 Plattsmouth Chamber Promotions…Cruzin Main, Amazing Race, Taste of Plattsmouth…
Plattsmouth Conservancy – $1,500.00
Marketing – Events: Garden Party, Christmas Event, Victorian Tour
Plattsmouth Main Street – $1,300.00
Marketing – 1st Annual Food Truck War/Street Dance
Plattsmouth VFW Post 2543 – $1,500.00
Marketing – Events: Motorcycle and Auto Club events and entertainment
Plattsmouth Recreation Department – $745.00
Marketing – Brochures outside of Cass County
Nebraska Game and Parks – $1,318.10
Event Banners at Platte River State Park – Louisville
Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museam – $2,500.00
Nebraska ‘Highway 66’ Concourse Classic Auto Show
Scenic Weeping Water Valley Association – $1,875.00
Marketing – Event Marketing/General Advertising
Village of Avoca – $1,872.50
Village website and newsletter creation
Village of Nehawka – $1,872.50
Village website and newsletter creation
Village of Manley – $750.00
Pillage the Village Event
Weeping Water Chamber of Commerce – $2,500.00
Marketing – Event Advertising and Rack Cards
Women in the Outdoors – Omaha Chapter – $704.25
Annual Women’s Outdoor Skills Workshop at Platte River State Park This program was started in 1998 to introduce women to the outdoors and our nations hunting and conservation traditions.
TOTAL: $48,880.90
February 21, 2017 the following Grants were given final approved by the Cass County Commissioners for Visitor Promotion in Cass County.
American Legion Post 247 – $1,488.75
Marketing – 2017 Events
Bess Streeter Aldrich Foundation – $1,577.30
Marketing – 2017 Events
B.U.I.L.D. (Businesses United In Louisville’s Development) – $2,500.00
Advertising – Last Hot Sunday in July Car Show
Cass County Agricultural Society – $2,500.00
Marketing – 2017 Cass County Fair
Eagle Vision – $2,500.00
Marketing – Eagle Fun Days
Elmwood Public Library – $487.50
Stories on the Street – Shakespeare Festival
Elmwood-Murdock Merchants Association – $2,332.50
Marketing – Elmwood Holiday Extravaganza
Elmwood-Murdock Merchants Association – $2,332.50
Marketing – Murdock July 4th Celebration
Friends of Lewis & Clark Bicentennial – $2,500.00
2017 Advertising – Lewis & Clark County Brochures and Posters
Kass Kounty King Korn Klub – $2,500.00
Advertising – 2017 Plattsmouth Harvest Festival
Lofte Community Theatre – $2,500.00
Marketing – 2017 Newspaper Advertising
Murray Freedom Festival – $1,350.00
Marketing – July 4th Celebration.
Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries – $1,875.00
Marketing – Summer Camps- Conference space promotions
Nebraska Story Arts – $1,500.00
Marketing – Moonshell Storytelling Festival at Mahoney State Park National and regional storytellers will take part to preserve the art of storytelling
Plattsmouth Chamber of Commerce – $2,500.00
Marketing – 2017 Plattsmouth Chamber Promotions…Cruzin Main, Amazing Race, Taste of Plattsmouth…
Plattsmouth Conservancy – $1,500.00
Marketing – Events: Garden Party, Christmas Event, Victorian Tour
Plattsmouth Main Street – $1,300.00
Marketing – 1st Annual Food Truck War/Street Dance
Plattsmouth VFW Post 2543 – $1,500.00
Marketing – Events: Motorcycle and Auto Club events and entertainment
Plattsmouth Recreation Department – $745.00
Marketing – Brochures outside of Cass County
Nebraska Game and Parks – $1,318.10
Event Banners at Platte River State Park – Louisville
Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museam – $2,500.00
Nebraska ‘Highway 66’ Concourse Classic Auto Show
Scenic Weeping Water Valley Association – $1,875.00
Marketing – Event Marketing/General Advertising
Village of Avoca – $1,872.50
Village website and newsletter creation
Village of Nehawka – $1,872.50
Village website and newsletter creation
Village of Manley – $750.00
Pillage the Village Event
Weeping Water Chamber of Commerce – $2,500.00
Marketing – Event Advertising and Rack Cards
Women in the Outdoors – Omaha Chapter – $704.25
Annual Women’s Outdoor Skills Workshop at Platte River State Park This program was started in 1998 to introduce women to the outdoors and our nations hunting and conservation traditions.
TOTAL: $48,880.90
Cass County Commissioners Approved Marketing Grants
February 23, 2016
American Legion Post 247 – $1,589.81
Marketing – 2016 Events and Brochure
Memorial Day, Veterans Day and Annual Ice Cream Social in Aug.
B.U.I.L.D. (Businesses United In Louisville’s Development) – $2,500.00
Advertising – Last Hot Sunday in July Car Show – July 31st
Cass County Agricultural Society – $2,500.00
Marketing – 2016 Cass County Fair – Aug. 9-13th
Eagle Vision – $2,500.00
Marketing – 2016 Eagle Days – June 25th
Elmwood-Murdock Merchants Association – $2,332.50
Marketing – Elmwood Holiday Extravaganza – Nov. 26th
Elmwood-Murdock Merchants Association – $2,332.50
Marketing – Murdock July 4th Celebration
Friends of Lewis & Clark Bicentennial – $2,000.00
2016 Advertising – Welcome to Lewis & Clark County Brochures and Posters
Kass Kounty King Korn Klub – $2,500.00
Advertising – 2016 Plattsmouth Harvest Festival
Lofte Community Theatre – $2,500.00
Marketing – 2016 Newspaper Advertising
Murray Freedom Festival – $1,500.00
Marketing – July 4th Celebration
Nebraska Story Arts – $1,200.00
Marketing – Moonshell Storytelling Festival at Mahoney State Park – Sept. 10
National and regional storytellers will take part to preserve the art of storytelling.
Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries – $2,500.00
Marketing – Summer Camps- Conference space promotions
Plattsmouth Chamber of Commerce – $2,500.00
Marketing – 2016 Plattsmouth Chamber Promotions
Taste of Plattsmouth July 31, Cruzin Main Sept. 10, Round up at Roundabout Oct. 7
Harvest Festival 5K Run Oct. 29th
Plattsmouth Conservancy – $1,725.00
Marketing – Events: Garden Party, Christmas Event, Victorian Tour
Plattsmouth Recreation Department – $745.00
Marketing – Brochures outside of Cass County
Scenic Weeping Water Valley Association – $2,500.00
Marketing – Event Marketing/General Advertising
Get Spooked in the Valley Oct 1 – Nov 1
Village of Manley – $750.00
Marketing – 2016 Pillage the Village – Kickball Tournament Aug. 20
Weeping Water Chamber – $1,237.50
Marketing – Event Marketing
Easter Egg Hunt 3/16, Limestone Days 6/25, Fall Festival 9/24, Come Home for Christmas 12/3
Weeping Water Valley Historical Society – $750.00
Marketing – Event Advertising and Rack Cards
Women in the Outdoors – Omaha Chapter – $741.75
Marketing – 17th Annual Women’s Outdoor Skills Workshop at Platte River State Park – Aug. 19th
This program was started in 1998 to introduce women to the outdoors and our nations hunting and conservation traditions.
TOTAL AMOUNT AWARDED: $36,904.06
American Legion Post 247 – $2,148.75
Marketing – 2015 Events
B.U.I.L.D. (Businesses United In Louisville’s Development7 – $2,500.00
Advertising – Last Hot Sunday in July Car Show
Bess Streeter Aldrich Foundation7 – $1,185.00
Marketing – Event Marketing
Cass County Agricultural Society 7 – $2,500.00
Marketing – 2015 Cass County Fair
Elmwood-Murdock Merchants Association 7 – $2,313.75
Elmwood Event Marketing
Elmwood-Murdock Merchants Association7 – $2,313.75
Murdock Event Marketing
Friends of Lewis & Clark Bicentennial7 – $2,000.00
2015 Advertising – Welcome to Lewis & Clark County Brochure
Kass Kounty King Korn Klub7 – $2,500.00
Advertising – 2015 Plattsmouth Harvest Festival
Lofte Community Theatre7 – $2,500.00
Marketing – 2015 Newspaper Advertising
Nebraska Story Arts 7 – $1,800.00
Marketing – Moonshell Storytelling Festival
Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries7 – $2,500.00
Marketing – Summer Camps- Conference space promotions
Plattsmouth Chamber of Commerce 7 – $2,500.00
Marketing – 2015 Plattsmouth Chamber Promotions
Plattsmouth Conservancy7 – $2,475.00
Marketing – Event Marketing
Scenic Weeping Water Valley Association7 – $2,343.75
Marketing – Event Marketing
Weeping Water Chamber of Commerce7 – $900.00
Marketing – Event Marketing
Women in the Outdoors – Omaha Chapter 7 – $1,210.50
Marketing – 16th Annual Women’s Outdoor Skills Workshop at Mahoney
TOTAL: $33,690.50
Capital Improvement Grants Awarded
Cass County Commissioners Approve 2020 Capital Improvement Grants
Cass County Agriculture Society – $14,583
Handicap Parking and sidewalk Improvements
Louisville Ball Parents Association – $4,500
Picnic Shelter and Gate
Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries – $15,000
Campground Pavilion/Shelter
Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum – $6,000
Space Suites Exhibits and Displays
Village of Manley – $10,500
Manley Park Picnic Shelter and Playground
TOTAL: $50,583.00
Cass County Commissioners Approve 2018 Capital Improvement Grants
American Legion Post – $4,280
Replace/Repair Roof on Museum
Louisville State Recreation Area – $10,000
Front Entrance Sign
Mahoney State Park – $10,000
Group Campfire Area
Platte River State Park – $8,000
Mountain Bike Trail Kiosk
Plattsmouth VFW – $4,813
Entrance Awnings
SAC and Aerospace Museum – $8,600
Space Suites Exhibits and Displays
Village of Cedar Creek – $5,122.50
Baseball Field and Park Lighting
Village of Manley – $7,500
Manley Park Picnic Shelter
TOTAL: $58,315.50
Cass County Commissioners Approve 2018 Capital Improvement Grants
Bess Streeter Aldrich Foundation – Elmwood – $4,875
Garden venue and Rental Opportunities
Cass County Historical Society – $6,000
Shelter for Lewis and Clark Pirogue Replica (boat)
Omaha Zoo Foundation – $12,500
Bison Plains Overlook deck
Platte River State Park – $989
Park Activity Display Kiosk
Village of Elmwood – $20,000
Elmwood Park Gazebo
Village of Greenwood – $10,000
Greenwood Park Gazebo
TOTAL: $54,364.00
April 18, 2017
Bess Streeter Aldrich Foundation – Elmwood – $7,000
Garden venue project
The Lofte Community Theatre – Manley – $4,748
Theatre spotlights
Louisville Ball Parents Association – $7,500
Ballpark complex project – benches and backstops
Mahoney State Park – $10,000
Front entrance revitalization and programmable sign
Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries – $10,750
Camping pavilion/shelter project
Plattsmouth VFW – $2,500
Facade and interior improvement project
Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum – $7,500
New display case for Clayton Aderson’s Spacesuite
TOTAL: $49,998
April 19, 2016
Alvo Volunteer Fire Department – $11,250
LED Welcome Sign
Bess Streeter Aldrich Foundation – Elmwood – $4,250
Replace front steps and porch for visitor entrance and safety
Cass County Historical Society – $8,450
Repair and Restoration of the historic attraction Joseph and Mary Cook Log Cabin at 3rd and Main – Plattsmouth
City of Plattsmouth – $25,000
Plattsmouth Gateways and Wayfinding Signage
Eagle Vision – $15,000
Eagle Monument / Welcome Sign
The Lofte Community Theatre – Manley – $3,769
Replace and repair front entry for visitor safety and aesthetics
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission – $40,500
Jenny Newman Lake enhancements at Platte River State Park. Educational project and angler improvements that include trails and structures. Part of “Venture Park” Project
Plattsmouth Main Street Association – $5,000
Bourmont 1714 Historical Marker commemorating the first Europeans to reach Nebraska and the Platte River – Main & Schilling Road
Lee G. Simmons Conservation & Wildlife Park – $25,000
Prairie Dog Town- Educational structure for visitors on the importance of the black-tailed prairie dogs to the Nebraska Plains eco-system.
Union United – $14,198
Upgrade village ballfield lights and scoreboard for longevity of tournament and visitor participation activities
Village of Manley – $5,262
Village Community Signage and Parking Lot Pavement project
YMCA Camp Kitaki – $40,000
Earth Shelter Trip Outpost, expanding 26 bed program focusing education on ancient, modern and eco-friendly building techniques while engaging the imagination of earth type dwellings.
TOTAL: $197,679
2015 Capital Improvement Grant Awarded
April 20, 2015
Avoca Volunteer Fire Department – $2,500.00
Annual Quack Off improments – Sound system, race lanes, duck pens
Bess Streeter Aldrich Foundation – $2,500.00
Replace front steps and porch
American Legion Post 247 – $1,800.00
Storage shed for G.A.R. Museum
Lofte Community Theatre – $9,673.53
New sound system
Lee G. Simmons Conservation & Wildlife Park – $50,000.00
Pave parking at Trailhead for new attractions
Murdock Historical Society – $6,000.00
Historical Mural
Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries – $25,000.00
Crystal Springs Lake Improvement of trails and docking
Village of Greenwood – $40,000.00
Public Park Playground
TOTAL: $137,473.53
