Wood County HOT Grant Program

FY 2026–2027 Funding Opportunity

Supporting Tourism & Overnight Stays in Wood County

The Wood County Economic Development Commission (WCEDC) offers Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) Grant funding to support events, attractions, marketing efforts, and tourism initiatives that bring visitors to Wood County and increase overnight lodging activity.

Key Dates

Who May Apply?

Eligible applicants may include:

• Nonprofit organizations
• Chambers of Commerce
• Cities & municipalities
• Tourism attractions
• Festivals & event organizers
• Museums & historical organizations
• Sporting tournaments
• Tourism-related entities
  

What Projects Qualify?

Projects must:

• Promote tourism in Wood County
• Attract visitors from outside the county
• Increase hotel/lodging activity (“Heads in Beds”)
• Align with Texas Hotel Occupancy Tax law
  

Examples include:

• Festivals & community events
• Tourism advertising & marketing
• Sporting tournaments
• Arts & cultural events
• Historical tourism initiatives
• Visitor information & promotional activities
  

Application Requirements

Please submit:

• Completed HOT Grant Application
• Brief Marketing Plan
• Proposed Project Budget
• Event Schedule/Timeline (if applicable)
• Signed Application Forms
  

Selected applicants may be invited to give a short presentation regarding their project or event.

Important Notes

• HOT funds must directly promote tourism and hotel activity.
• Post-event or retroactive funding requests are not eligible.
• Funding is limited to allowable uses under Texas Tax Code Chapters 351–352.

Ready to Apply?

Download the HOT Grant Guidelines

Download the HOT Grant Appplication

Email: wcedc@mywoodcounty.com

Questions?

Christine Thomas, WCEDC
cthomas@mywoodcounty.com
903-768-2402

Promoting Tourism • Supporting Local Events • Growing Wood County