VISITHATTIESBURG OPENS TOURISM GRANT PROGRAM TO SUPPORT LOCAL EVENTS

VisitHATTIESBURG is excited to announce the return of its Tourism Grant Program (TGP) for FY27.

HATTIESBURG (Aug. 6, 2026) — VisitHATTIESBURG is excited to announce the return of its Tourism Grant Program (TGP), a funding initiative designed to support local events, festivals, attractions, and community projects that help drive tourism to Hattiesburg. Applications for the annual grant program are being accepted through Tuesday, Sept. 1.

Now in its eighth year of awarding funds, the Tourism Grant Program provides financial support for projects that attract overnight visitors to Hattiesburg while also enriching the community through entertainment, cultural experiences, and quality-of-life enhancements. In addition to funding, VisitHATTIESBURG partners with recipients to help promote their events and initiatives to potential visitors through targeted marketing efforts.

“Tourism thrives because of the creativity, dedication, and collaboration of the groups that bring memorable experiences to Hattiesburg,” said Marlo Dorsey, CEO of VisitHATTIESBURG. “The Tourism Grant Program is one way we invest in helping local partners create experiences that attract visitors, strengthen our economy, and enhance quality of life.”

Since its inception in 2018, the Tourism Grant Program has helped support more than 190 tourism-focused events and initiatives throughout Hattiesburg, including sporting events, concerts, expos, and cultural festivals. To date, VisitHATTIESBURG has reinvested more than $320,000 into local projects through the program.

To be eligible for funding, proposed projects must take place between Oct. 1, 2026, and Sept. 30, 2027, and align with at least one of VisitHATTIESBURG’s strategic priorities: increasing tourism’s economic impact, telling Hattiesburg’s story, strengthening community partnerships, or enhancing the visitor experience through placemaking efforts.

Eligible applicants include organizations that host public events, festivals, attractions, or operate public-use facilities such as museums, historic sites, sports venues, and meeting spaces. All

funded projects must take place within Hattiesburg city limits and demonstrate the ability to attract overnight visitors from outside the area.

Applicants must meet all program requirements, including submitting a plan outlining how their event or project will attract overnight visitors to Hattiesburg. Applications will be reviewed through a competitive selection process by a committee of local stakeholders.

Applications must be submitted by the priority deadline of 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 1. Late applications will be considered only if funding remains available after the initial review and award process.

Full TGP requirements, more information, and the application can be found at visithburg.org/hattiesburg-tourism-commission/grant-program. Questions may be directed to LPierce@visithburg.org.