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: 

  • October — General Application Available
  • 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 — TMD presents budget for City Council approval
  • June — TMD issues contracts

Application Types

General Applicants-FY 2025 Annual Application Cycle 

All organizations (other than the DMO) apply for funding during the annual fall application periodSDTMD will begin accepting applications for FY 2025 funding beginning October 6, 2023 via our online submission system. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, November 17, 2023. Applications received after the deadline will not be accepted for annual funding requests.

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. Virtual workshops will be held on Wednesday, October 11 at 10 a.m. and Friday, October 13 at 1 p.m. Please register in advance by emailing Executive Director Colleen Anderson.

DMO Funding – San Diego Tourism Authority only

Application for the City’s destination marketing organizationApplications received after the deadline of February 10, 2023 will not be accepted for annual funding requests.

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.