American Rescue Funds Grants

MACON, Ga. (May 9, 2022) — More than $500,000 in relief will be awarded to 13 Macon-Bibb travel and tourism businesses and organizations as part of ongoing COVID-19 relief efforts.

The American Rescue Funds Act funds will support projects that promote hotel, attraction and event recovery in the area.

Travel and tourism-focused businesses in Macon-Bibb County were encouraged to submit a grant application by the March 31, 2022 deadline for the first round of funding. Applications were reviewed by a committee of local community foundation and tourism leaders and the following organizations and companies were selected to receive funding:

• NewTown Macon
• Macon Area Tennis Association
• Bragg Jam
• Macon Film Festival
• Georgia Allman Brothers Band Association
• Rock Candy Tours
• Museum of Arts & Sciences
• Nutcracker of Middle Georgia
• Macon Centreplex Coliseum
• The Big House Foundation
• Macon-Bibb County Parks & Recreation
• The 567 Center for Renewal
• Macon, GA International Cherry Blossom Foundation

“We are excited that the first group of grant recipients will soon receive the aid they need to continue their work and grow our local travel and tourism industry,” said Visit Macon President and CEO Gary Wheat. “The effects of the pandemic will be felt for years to come, but this funding will go a long way in supporting many of the local businesses and organizations that make up our travel and tourism industry and support Macon-Bibb’s healthy, growing economy.”

The federal funding will support innovative thinkers and business people who are developing new and interesting ways to showcase the places, people and events that make Macon-Bibb special.

Applicants who were not selected in the first round are encouraged to apply again, during the next application process beginning July 1, 2022. Multiple application processes will take place over the course of two years or until the funds are exhausted.