Annual Applications

SDTMD awards grant funding each year to applicants who can demonstrate the ability to generate incremental room night stays at TMD assessed hotels and a measurable return on investment (ROI) on TMD dollars. 

Approximate timeline as follows: 

  • September — General Application Available
  • September & October — Application Workshops (all applicants encouraged to attend)
  • November — Applications Due
  • January — Applicant presentations at SDTMD Board Meeting
  • March — Funding decisions made at SDTMD Board Meeting
  • April/May — STMD presents budget for City Council approval
  • June — STMD issues contracts
Application Guidelines

Application Types

General Applicants – FY2028 Annual Application Cycle 

All organizations (other than the DMO) may apply for funding during the annual fall application period. Applications will be available on September 18, 2026, and are due by 5 p.m. on November 13, 2026. 

SDTMD strongly recommends that all applicants attend one of its workshops prior to completing the application. Workshops provide an overview of the application process, insight on criteria used to select events for funding and an introduction to the online submission system.

Two virtual workshops will be held on the following dates. Zoom links for each workshop are provided below. Follow us on LinkedIn for workshop updates and announcements.

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FY2027 Supplemental Funding 

After all annual funding programs have been reviewed and allocated by the SDTMD Board and if SDTMD funds are available, qualifying organizations may apply for supplemental funding. All supplemental proposals are required to follow the SDTMD online application format and submit to the SDTMD well in advance of the next regularly scheduled Board of Directors Meeting, unless directed otherwise by the SDTMD board or staff. It is strongly recommended that a preliminary discussion with the Executive Director is scheduled prior to submitting any supplemental application.

Please contact Executive Director Colleen Anderson with any questions.

DMO Funding – San Diego Tourism Authority only

Application for the City’s destination marketing organization. Applications received after the deadline of February 6, 2026 will not be accepted for annual funding requests.