At its September meeting, the Dare County Tourism Board awarded 28 event grants to 26 different non-profit organizations and local municipalities, totaling $177,500 in support. The Event Grant program is designed to help create and support events that drive overnight visitation to Dare County’s Outer Banks in less than peak months (September 7 to June 15). All events grants are disbursed on a reimbursement basis for expenses such as marketing, infrastructure, entertainment and shirts. Event Grant applications are accepted August 1-15 and February 1-15 annually and must be submitted at least four months in advance of the event.
A few of the organizations and events receiving support during this most recent grant cycle include:
- Dare Arts (2025 Artrageous Kids Art Festival and 2025 Pride Project)
- Fellowship of Christian Athletes (2025 Outer Banks Ride of Champions)
- Friends of Jockey’s Ridge State Park (50th Anniversary Celebration of Jockey’s Ridge)
- Hatteras Island Youth Education Foundation (2025 Lighthouse Legacy 5K)
- NC Coastal Federation (2025 Hatteras Island Oyster Roast)
- Outer Banks Restaurant Association (2025 OBX Taste of the Beach)
- Outer Banks Sporting Events (2025 Flying Pirate Half Marathon and 2025 Running of the Leprechaun)
- The Secotan Alliance (In the Spirit of Wingina 2)
- Town of Manteo (2024 Midnight Magic in Manteo – New Years Eve Celebration)
- Town of Nags Head (2025 Kelly’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade)