The City of New Braunfels is now accepting applications from tax exempt, non-profit arts and heritage organizations for funds collected through the local Hotel Occupancy Tax. By law, the proceeds generated by that tax must be used to advertise and encourage the growth of the local tourism and convention industry, with 15% of the revenues specifically dedicated to the enhancement of arts and cultural organizations and programs. The amount of grant funds awarded each year is dependent on the revenue generated the previous year. For example, approximately $733,000 was allocated by New Braunfels City Council to local arts and heritage programs from the funds collected in 2022.
Eligible art-related programs include instrumental and vocal music, dance, drama, folk art, creative writing, architecture, design and allied fields, painting, sculpture, photography, graphic and crafts arts, motion pictures, radio, television, tape and sound recording, and other arts related to the presentation, performance, execution, and exhibition of these major art forms.
Eligible heritage-related grants include organizations or programs that support the enhancement of historical restoration and preservation projects or activities, or advertising and conducting solicitations and promotional programs to encourage tourists and convention delegates to visit preserved historic sites or museums.
To be eligible for the Arts & Heritage Grants from Hotel Occupancy Tax funds, organizations must be a non-profit organization as designated by the IRS and as defined in the Texas Tax Code Chapter 351.
“This is an exciting time for our local arts and heritage organizations, and we are looking forward to receiving their applications,” said New Braunfels City Secretary Gayle Wilkinson. “The City Secretary’s Office is committed to providing help to those organizations in an effort to make the application process as easy as possible.”
Applications for Arts & Heritage grants are available online at www.newbraunfels.gov/grants. Completed applications must be uploaded to the City Secretary’s Office online portal no later than 5pm on October 31st, 2023. Once received, the applications will go through a formal review process before City Council allocates the funds in early 2024. For additional information, call the City Secretary’s Office at 830-221-4010.