Explore Schuylkill announced Friday that it has awarded more than $50,000 in tourism marketing mini grants to 24 tourism-focused businesses and organizations across Schuylkill County.
The grants, ranging from $250 to $3,500, are designed to support marketing, promotional, and publicity initiatives that aim to increase tourism and overnight stays in the region.
The mini grant program is designed to strengthening the county’s tourism industry by providing direct financial support for marketing efforts. The initiative is open to a wide range of qualifying entities in the tourism sector, including accommodations, entertainment venues, recreation providers, food and beverage services, retail businesses, and nonprofit tourism organizations.
“This program helps our tourism partners to grow their markets, grow their assets, and strengthens Schuylkill County’s comprehensive economic development efforts while also enhancing our county as a destination for leisure travel and the quality of life in our community,” said Regina Gargano, CEO of Explore Schuylkill.
Despite a 9% decrease in revenue compared to last year, Explore Schuylkill managed to increase the mini grant budget by 10%—a move Gargano attributed to careful fiscal stewardship and continued investment in community-based tourism.
The funds support a variety of marketing initiatives, such as television and internet commercials, digital ads, print promotions, video production, and social media campaigns. Applications were open to members of Explore Schuylkill in good standing, and grant recipients represent a wide range of attractions and events that contribute to the county’s vibrant tourism landscape.
The 2025 grant recipients include:
- Hill House – $2,100
- Hope Hill Lavender Farm – $2,858
- Jerry’s Classic Cars & Collectibles Museum – $2,358
- Hawk Mountain (Projects 1 & 2) – $1,680 and $3,000
- Galen Glen – $2,500
- Gabriel Chamber Ensemble – $1,500
- Odd Fellows Cemetery, Tamaqua – $1,000
- Tamaqua Area Community Partnership – $2,000
- Bischoff Inn – $2,400
- Pioneer Tunnel – $1,500
- Loftsville – $3,500
- Houser’s Crossing (Projects 1 & 2) – $1,750 each
- Bischoff Inn & Houser’s Crossing – $3,500
- CK Running / Lager Jogger – $3,000
- Catalpa Grove – $3,500
- Lakewood Park Campground – $3,500
- Tamaqua Chamber of Commerce – $1,000
- TheFarm Store – $915
- Schuylkill County Council for the Arts – $1,125
- Schuylkill Events (Project 2) – $1,000
- Main Street Moonshine – $2,856
Total funding awarded: $50,292