Explore Tualatin Valley (ETV) is pleased to offer this competitive, reimbursable grant program for eligible tourism businesses participating or looking to participate in Oregon’s Travel Information Council (OTIC).
ETV Tourism Sign Grant Program
This is a competitive reimbursement award of support up to $2,500, depending on signage type. Applicants must receive approval with the OTIC before applying for this grant program.
Deadlines and Cycle:
Grant Eligibility Cycle: June 12, 2026 – June 14, 2027*. All approved reimbursements will be distributed by July 2027.
Eligible organizations must be tourism based and located in Washington County, including:
- Non-profit 501(c) organizations
- Confederated tribes
- For-profit businesses
Ineligible Organizations:
- Government agencies
- Municipal entities
Do I need TIC approval before applying for this grant?
Yes. Applicants must first apply to the Oregon Travel Information Council (TIC) and receive sign approval before submitting an application for this Explore Tualatin Valley (ETV) grant.
Am I guaranteed to get approval from OTIC?
Businesses and organizations are not guaranteed to receive approval for an OTIC sign. For questions about eligibility, availability, or the approval process, please contact OTIC directly.
I was already approved and paid for my Oregon Travel Information Council (OTIC) business sign. Am I eligible to be reimbursed by ETV?
If you already received approval from OTIC between June 13, 2026 – August 31, 2026 you may be eligible for reimbursement. Please fill out the application form.
I received an award during the FY 2026 Tourism Sign Program. May I apply again?
Applicants may apply if they were awarded funds from ETV’s FY 2026 Tourism Sign Program, however priority will be given to those who have not received support from this grant in the past.
Who is eligible to apply for this grant?
Eligible applicants include non-profit 501(c) organizations, confederated tribes, and for-profit tourism businesses located in Washington County, Oregon. Businesses must be open to the public, in good standing and must meet TIC Sign Program requirements for their sign category.
Are government or municipal entities eligible?
No. Government and municipal entities are not eligible for this grant.
What costs does the grant cover?
The grant reimburses eligible expenses such as TIC logo fabrication costs and up to one year of annual fees per sign.
What expenses are not covered?
No. This is a reimbursement grant. You must pay TIC for approved signage first and then submit proof of payment to receive reimbursement.
How much funding can I receive?
The maximum award is up to $2,500 per applicant, depending on the type of signage requested.
Is the funding paid upfront?
No. This is a reimbursement grant. You must pay TIC for approved signage first and then submit proof of payment to receive reimbursement.
Why must I first apply with OTIC first?
You must apply with OTIC first as they must verify a specific location has the adequate requirements and they also must receive approval from ODOT before moving forward with any business approval.
When is the application deadline?
Applications must first be completed through the TIC website (online or PDF) for your specific business type (Tourism-Oriented, Museum/Historic Site, Off-Interstate, or Interstate).
When will awards be distributed?
All awards will be distributed in July 2027.
How do I apply for a TIC sign?
Applications must first be completed through the TIC website (online or PDF) for your specific business type (Tourism-Oriented, Museum/Historic Site, Off-Interstate, or Interstate).
How long does the TIC application take to complete?
The TIC application typically takes 15–20 minutes to complete.
Who do I contact if I have questions about TIC signs?
Contact the TIC Sign Program staff:
- Sue VanHandel, Program Assistant – sue.vanhandel@tic.oregon.gov | 503-373-0086
- Diane Cheyne, Program Administrator – diane.cheyne@tic.oregon.gov | 503-373-0871
- General Email: contact.tic@tic.oregon.gov | 503-378-4508
Who do I contact for questions about the ETV grant application?
Contact Ariel Lessens at ETV:
- ariel@tualatinvalley.org | 971-727-8477