(Non-Major) Events Incentive Program (EIP)
What is the Events Incentive Program (EIP)?
A program created by the Legislature* for the purpose of providing grant funding to attract, bid for, and host events which will have a significant positive impact on economic development in Louisiana.
Who can apply?
• A municipality or parish
• Tourism commission or Convention & Visitors Bureau
• Destination marketing organization
• Non-profit organizations
Which events are eligible?
Events that are not "Qualified Major Events" (events eligible for Major Events Incentive Program funding).
Are there additional eligibility criteria?
• The site chosen for the Event must be in Louisiana.
• The Event is held only once per year. (Exceptions may be made if circumstances such as a natural disaster, pandemic, or other catastrophe call for the Event to be rescheduled).
• Applicants seeking funding must demonstrate that the Event is anticipated to have an economic impact of $350,000 or greater to the state.
How are the award amounts determined?
• The award amount is capped at 25% of the total cost of the Event incurred by the applicant.
• The award amount for each Event shall be determined by the LOT and will be based on the projected incremental increase to the state sales and use receipts and the excise tax receipts in the designated area for the Event.
How is the EIP funded?
The Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget shall determine the portion of the incremental tax increase reported by the lieutenant governor which shall be transferred into the fund.
What are the pre-event reporting requirements?
Funding applications must include data indicating the anticipated economic impact of the Event, such as projected increase in sales taxes, projected attendance, projected spending by attendees, anticipated hotel room stays generated by the Event.
What are the post-event reporting requirements?
On or before September 1st of each year, the Office of the Lieutenant Governor shall submit an annual report to JLCB. This report will list award recipients and amounts in the previous fiscal year, as well as the economic impact of each Event funded by MEIP.
Can an applicant receive funding from both EIP and additional funding from another Louisiana Office of Tourism program, such as a Sponsorship, MEIP, or Competitive Grant Program?
No. The rules for the EIP state that recipients are not permitted to receive funding from multiple funding sources administered by the LOT.
When are applications due?
Applications must be submitted not earlier than three years and not later than 180 days before the date the event begins.
What types of activities and expenses may the EIP fund?
Only allowable expenses shall be paid or reimbursed through EIP. LOT determines which expenses are allowable. These must be related to:
• Planning the Event
• Marketing the Event
• Conducting the Event
Expenses that are NOT allowable include:
• Alcohol
• Food/Beverage
• Inter-city travel
• Housing/lodging
Download the application here. To read the full list of EIP rules, please go here. Please email [email protected] with any questions.