Visit Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen, the official tourism development authority for Moore County, has announced a new grant program for the 2026-27 fiscal year. The Tourism Enhancement and Area Marketing (T.E.A.M.) grants are available to municipalities, governmental and specific non-profit organizations. A total pool of $250,000 is available, with a maximum award of $25,000, based on grant requirements and determined by the T.E.A.M. grant committee, composed of three Moore County Tourism Development Authority (MCTDA) board members.
“We are excited about this new opportunity to impact the Moore County community with this new grant program,” said Phil Werz, president and CEO of Visit Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen, in a statement to Sandhills Sentinel. “While the previous two programs were specifically for capital projects, this cycle has opened up the opportunities for a number of other categories and considerations. We look forward to reviewing applications and announcing the awards later this year.”
The primary purpose of the grant program is to encourage projects that will attract overnight visitors from outside a 50-mile radius, thereby generating overnight stays and stimulating economic impact across Moore County. The grant program application period ends on Aug. 28. Since 2024, the TDA has awarded more than $1.8 million in grants for a variety of projects throughout Moore County.
The categories include multi-day festivals and special events, specific elements for meetings and conventions, tourism improvements for projects such as wayfinding, beautification, trail or facility appearance enhancements, or approved public art projects, especially ones that amplify the TDA’s new advertising campaign set to launch this fall.
Eligible projects must also be located in Moore County, and any multi-day events or festivals must be open to the public to attend, participate, and spectate. Ineligible projects would include political events, church or religious functions, fundraisers, family reunions, local or county school programs, events or fundraisers, and general administrative or operating expenses.
For full grant program details, application and more information, go to: https://homeofgolf.com/team-grant.
