About The Bend Cultural Tourism Fund
The Bend Cultural Tourism Fund (BCTF) is a grant program funded by Visit Bend to enhance Bend’s economy through cultural tourism. From musical productions to art exhibits to film festivals and more, the BCTF supports cultural opportunities that draw visitors to Bend.
Thanks to a ballot measure passed in 2013, Visit Bend funds the BCTF using 7.5-10% of the organization’s total annual public funding received from the City of Bend. The program awarded $125,000 to cultural tourism organizations in 2015, just over $185,000 in 2016, just under $200,000 in 2017, $205,000 in 2018, $200,000 in 2019, $319,500 in 2021, and $400,000 in 2022.
Awards have supported cultural opportunities ranging from the Deschutes Public Library’s Author! Author! series to a Nordic skiing exhibit at the Deschutes Historical Museum to the Bend A Cappella Festival.
Intended to support bold ideas that aren’t yet fully developed, but can demonstrate extraordinary potential for increasing Bend’s off-season “cultural tourists.” The Catalyst grant will provide successful applicants with funding to propel the development of an event or activity that will support the local economy and cultural organizations.
Marketing/Program grants are intended to support high quality cultural tourism activities that demonstrate a clear and measurable economic benefit in Bend.
What We Have Done So Far
Since 2015 the Bend Cultural Tourism Fund has enhanced the cultural life of Bend. We are just getting started.
Dollars granted: $1,449,500
Projects funded: 87
Organizations supported: 38
