The Waupaca Area Convention and Visitor Bureau Tourism Development Grant Program provides partnership funding to help non-profit organizations promote tourism in the Waupaca area.  The mission of this program is to promote the Waupaca area as a destination by attracting visitors, encouraging overnight stays, increasing visibility and making an overall positive impact in our community.

In 1988 the City of Waupaca instituted a lodging facility room tax to raise revenue for tourism development.  The current tax is set at 8% of gross room sales.  In 2021 the Townships of Dayton and Farmington have instituted a room tax.  With that, a Room Tax Commission has been created with representatives from the three municipalities mentioned above.  A Tourism Development Grant Committee reviews all applications and make recommendations for the distribution of funds.  These recommendations are then put to a vote at a Waupaca Area Convention and Visitor Bureau Board of Directors meeting.  This board is comprised of representatives  from businesses in the tourism, hospitality and lodging facilities.  This board is also represented by members of the three municipalities (City of Waupaca, Town of Dayton and Town of Farmington).

Please click this link to download a Tourism Development Grant Program packet. This includes an overview and application for funding consideration for your community event or project.

Submission deadline for Spring 2025 is March 11th.  Questions concerning the application can be addressed to Mitch@WaupacaAreaChamber.com or call 715.258.7343.