Colonial Heights Recreation and Parks Receives Virginia Tourism Corporation Grant for Tourism Marketing
Colonial Heights Recreation and Parks received a $10,000 grant from the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC)’s Special Events & Festivals Sponsorship Program (SEF) for the 50th Annual Fort Clifton Festival.
Colonial Heights Recreation and Parks will supply $5,000 in matching funds to support marketing and promotion for the 50th Annual Fort Clifton Festival, a signature community event celebrating the city’s history, arts, and culture. The festival attracts thousands of visitors each year, drawing both local residents and out-of-town guests to Colonial Heights. In addition to providing a free, family-friendly experience, the event generates increased visitation to local restaurants, shops, and attractions, contributing to overnight stays and measurable economic impact for the community.
Virginia Tourism Corporation will award more than $885,733 in matching grant funds to 88 special events and festivals during this grant round, ultimately impacting 324 combined partners. The VTC Special Events & Festivals Sponsorship Program is designed to increase visitor spending by maximizing limited marketing and event production dollars to stimulate overnight visitation through new tourism marketing and event expansion partnerships. The program also extends the iconic Virginia is for Lovers brand to drive special event and festival visitation. Each GO Virginia region is allocated 20 percent of available funds, creating a diverse portfolio of supported events across the Commonwealth.
In this funding cycle, local partners will commit more than $4.8 million in public-private funds to match VTC funding, generating more than $5.68 million in new marketing and event production activity focused on increasing overnight visitation to Virginia in 2026. In total, the awards will support 88 special events and festivals and impact 526 tourism-related partners statewide.
Using the hub-and-spoke tourism model to create multi-day itineraries, four Virginia entities partner financially to apply for funding. Partners may consist of Virginia cities, towns, counties, destination marketing organizations, restaurants, museums, attractions, and other tourism-related businesses. With the special event or festival as the main lure, the program encourages visitors to extend their stays to experience Virginia Main Streets, boutique shopping, distinctive dining, and historic sites, generating significant economic impact beyond the event itself. These partnerships have proven results in driving creativity among applicants and attracting new visitors to a destination.
“The Fort Clifton Festival is one of Colonial Heights’ most anticipated annual events and plays an important role in showcasing our city to visitors from across the region,” said Matt Spruill, Colonial Heights Recreation and Parks Director. “Support from the Virginia Tourism Corporation allows us to expand our reach, attract new audiences, and continue building a strong tourism economy that benefits local businesses and residents alike.”
“As Colonial Heights continues to invest in tourism, this grant helps us showcase the very best of Colonial Heights”, said Amber Wallace, Colonial Heights Tourism and Economic Development Specialist. “It’s an exciting time for the city, and events like the Fort Clifton Festival help create moments that draw visitors in, inspire return trips, and contribute to a growing tourism economy.”
“Special events and festivals are at the heart of what makes Virginia such a compelling destination,” said Rita McClenny, President and CEO of Virginia Tourism Corporation. “Through the Special Events & Festivals Sponsorship Program, we’re proud to support these experiences that bring communities together, inspire travel, and encourage visitors to stay longer and spend more across the Commonwealth.”
VTC will have additional grant and sponsorship rounds opening throughout 2026. Organizations and businesses that are interested in applying may visit vatc.org/grants for more information.
Out-of-state visitors and Virginians alike are encouraged to visit www.virginia.org to start travel planning for these special events and festivals in 2026.
Colonial Heights Recreation and Parks provides a wide range of recreational programs, facilities, and special events that enhance quality of life for residents and visitors alike. Through community programming, historic preservation, and signature events such as the Fort Clifton Festival, the department works to promote wellness, celebrate local heritage, and support tourism and economic vitality in Colonial Heights.
About Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) Virginia is for Lovers is one of the most iconic and recognizable travel brands in the world. Using that powerful brand equity, Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) is charged with promoting the Commonwealth as a premier travel destination by showcasing all there is to love in a Virginia vacation. The dollars spent by travelers fuel the economy, provide jobs for Virginians, and improve communities across the state. Simply put, tourism helps make Virginia a great place to live, work, and vacation. Learn more at virginia.org.
A full list of funding recipients can be found at the link in the comments. (https://pressroom.virginia.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Summer-2025-SEF-Grant-Recipient-List.pdf