Grants
Waterloo Hotel-Motel Tax Grants
Experience Waterloo offers grant monies for events and projects that will have a positive impact on the tourism industry in Waterloo, both in the short and long-term.
Grants are open October 1st, 2026 thru October 31st, 2026. Mini grants are open year round.
Grants are available to organizations whose events are held in Waterloo, regardless of where the organization itself is based.
Applications can be used for three kinds of proposals or projects:
- Visitor Events (draw greater than 50% of attendance from outside Black Hawk County)
- Community Events (draw less than 50% of attendance from outside Black Hawk County)
- Capital Projects
The grants have been established to:
- Drive overnight stays in Waterloo
- Support active partners who serve and drive visitors to Waterloo
- Support organizations and activities that have a positive impact on Waterloo
- Provide seed money for new or innovative ideas/projects
- Provide assistance in marketing outside of Black Hawk County
Event Grant
Experience Waterloo is accepts grant applications on behalf of the City of Waterloo for event-related projects occurring between January 1, 2027 thru June 30, 2027, that boost local tourism. The event grant application opens twice a year, once in October, and once in March. Funded by hotel-motel tax revenue, these grants focus on supporting marketing and event efforts rather than general operations, prioritizing projects that drive economic impact, enhance the city's public image, and require financial assistance to succeed.
Event Grant Grading Criteria
Event Grant Rules
Event Grant Application
There are two application cycles: once in October and once in March
Opens October 1, 2026
Mini Grant
Mini Grants are available year-round for Waterloo event-related projects, provided applications are submitted at least 60 days before the event date. Funded through hotel-motel tax revenues, these grants aim to drive local tourism by supporting marketing and event execution rather than providing long-term operational support.
Mini Grant Grading Criteria
Mini Grant Rules
Mini Grant Application
Capital Grant
The Capital Grant program, administered by Experience Waterloo on behalf of the City of Waterloo, provides hotel-motel tax funding for physical projects designed to boost local tourism and enhance the overall visitor experience. Applications are open annually from March 1 through March 31, offering financial support to help make impactful capital development and facility improvement projects possible.
Capital Grant Grading Criteria
Capital Grant Rules
Capital Grant Application
Open annually from March 1 through March 31
Partner Grant
The Partner Grant is a specialized funding opportunity administered by Experience Waterloo for pre-approved local attractions. Applications are accepted annually during March for the upcoming fiscal year, with funding covering projects from July 1 through June 30.
Partner Grant Application
Open annually from March 1 through March 31