RICHMOND – To commemorate Flag Day and to promote interest in Virginia’s history and tourism, Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC), in partnership with the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission (VA250), announced today more than $200,000 in grant funds will be awarded to 25 programs through VTC’s VA250 Marketing Leverage Program.
The VA250 Marketing Leverage Program is a reimbursable grant program to leverage existing marketing funds and is designed to support, promote, and market programming, events, and interpretive signage related to quests for freedom against the backdrop of America’s 250th commemoration.
VTC’s tourism marketing and sponsorship programs are designed to increase visitor spending by leveraging limited marketing dollars, to stimulate new tourism marketing through partnerships, and to extend the “Virginia is for Lovers” brand to drive visitation. VA250 grants are provided to officially recognized VA250 Committees, historic sites, and museums that are required to provide a targeted and research-based marketing plan. Programs must support the mission of the VA250 Commission and drive visitation to Virginia destinations.
“Virginia’s story is crucial to the founding of our country,” said Rita McClenny, President and CEO of Virginia Tourism Corporation. “With this funding, many localities will be able to share their own unique history, personal stories, and turning points amongst Virginia’s rich history and cultural traditions.”
Established in 2020 to commemorate Virginia’s role in the 250th anniversary of American independence, the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission aims to form a more perfect union by educating Virginians about their history and civic duty and sharing diverse narratives that capture Virginia’s complete story and role in shaping the nation.
“The VA250 Marketing Leverage Program provides a chance to share Virginia’s many untold stories of revolution and spark a sense of wonder in visitors and Virginians alike,” said Cheryl Wilson, Executive Director of VA250. “We’re thrilled to see these grants come to life, and we encourage local organizations with hidden gems of history to apply.”
The next funding round of the VA250 Marketing Leverage Program is scheduled to open on August 1, 2024. This program is tentatively slated to run at least twice per year through 2025.
More information on the VA250 Marketing Leverage Program can be found at vatc.org/grants and more information on local committees and the commemoration themes can be found at va250.org.
A full list of funding recipients for the VA250 Marketing Leverage Program can be found here.
About Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC)
Virginia is for Lovers is one of the most iconic and recognizable travel brands in the world. Using that powerful brand equity, Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) is charged with promoting the Commonwealth as a premier travel destination by showcasing all there is to love in a Virginia vacation. The dollars spent by travelers fuel the economy, provide jobs for Virginians, and improve communities across the state. Simply put, tourism helps make Virginia a great place to live, work, and visit. Learn more at virginia.org.
About VA250
The Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission (VA250), established by the Virginia General Assembly, serves to commemorate the American Revolution, the Revolutionary War, and the independence of the United States in the Commonwealth of Virginia, where much of America’s story begins. The nation will mark its semiquincentennial in 2026. However, programs in Virginia begin now and will last through 2031. The primary goal of the Commission is to convene and facilitate a Commonwealth-wide commemoration and celebration, multi-faceted and inclusive of hundreds of partners and representatives of the wide array of histories, sites, stories, and communities that define Virginia.