How to Apply for Event Funding
Criteria
Who is eligible to apply for LIT event funding?
Anyone—including nonprofits, for-profit businesses, groups, and individuals—may apply for funding, as long as their event aligns with LIT’s mission of attracting visitors and supporting the local economy.
What types of events qualify for funding?
Preference is given to events that encourage overnight stays, stimulate economic activity, and provide long-term or recurring benefits to the community. Ideal event types include festivals, symposiums, conventions, performances, and public-facing programs.
Location/Venue Requirements
Events must take place in Lockhart, TX to ensure accessibility for visitors and support the local economy. In limited cases, events elsewhere in Caldwell County may be considered if they demonstrate a strong connection to Lockhart’s tourism goals. Whenever possible, overnight accommodations should be booked in Lockhart to support the local lodging economy.
Minimum Participant Requirements
LIT funds both small and large events, but all events must draw at least 30 attendees and demonstrate support for local businesses.
Evaluation
Alignment with Mission
Events must align with LIT’s mission to attract visitors and positively impact the local economy. Priority is given to events that promote arts, culture, heritage, and community engagement.
Economic Impact
Proposed events should clearly demonstrate their ability to strengthen the local economy by attracting visitors to restaurants, shops, lodging, and other businesses. Grant recipients are expected to provide data that shows the event’s impact on local commerce, lodging, and overall visitor spending.
Cultural & Educational Value
Events are encouraged to contribute to cultural enrichment, education, or the celebration of Lockhart’s heritage. Examples include art exhibitions, cultural festivals, educational workshops, performances, or culinary experiences.
Broad Community Reach
LIT values events that thoughtfully reflect the richness of our community. Applicants are encouraged to consider how their event can welcome people from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives. Events should provide meaningful experiences that are accessible to a wide range of audiences.
Timing & Scheduling
Events should be strategically planned to enhance Lockhart’s tourism calendar. Preference is given to events that:
- complement existing events rather than compete with them;
- fill gaps in the calendar to avoid over-saturation; and
- take place during off-peak days or months to help increase tourism during slower periods.
Promotional Efforts
Successful applicants must actively promote both their event and Lockhart as a destination through marketing efforts that attract visitors locally and beyond. Grant recipients should also acknowledge LIT’s support (for example, by displaying the LIT logo on event banners and promotional materials, or tagging LIT on social media).
Please send all applications for funding to:
