ST. CLAIRSVILLE — The Belmont County Tourism Council is offering grant funds to help support local nonprofits with putting on events in the county.

Jackee Pugh, executive director of the council, said the Grant Assistance Program helps to “fill in the gap” by financially assisting the nonprofit organizations with projects, improvements or maintenance to a tourist attraction or historical site that promotes tourism in Belmont County.

“Many of the recipients would not be able to continue with their community event or attraction if it wasn’t for this grant,” she said.

“Last year, the tourism board was able to award grant funds to over 30 recipients, and we are hopeful this year will yield even more recipients.”

Pugh said the council typically awards around $100,000 in funding to dozens of organizations.

“It varies, depending on a couple of things. One is how the lodging tax receipts are, which is how we’re funded as an organization, and the other thing is how many applications get brought into us,” she said.

She said the amount may have been slightly less last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the cancellation of some local events.

“We’re hopeful with things getting better and getting back to normal from COVID that we’ve had the last couple years that we’ll be able to award more than 30 this year,” she said.

Pugh said any nonprofit may apply for the grant. To qualify the event or attraction must generate tourism into Belmont County.

Last year, the Beast of the East baseball tournament, the Barton Volunteer Fire Department’s Polka Fest and the Belmont County Staying Clean Bike, Car and Truck show were among the recipients of the grant. Also, many of the museums in the county were awarded funds for maintenance and improvement projects.

The council is now accepting applications through March 4. Applications are available online at www.visitbelmontcounty.com or can be picked up at the tourism office inside the Ohio Valley Mall in St. Clairsville.

The board of directors will review the applications and award qualifying recipients the grants by March 31.

“Our office looks forward to this time every year, and we are certain that Belmont County’s nonprofit organizations appreciate it as well,” she said.

Pugh said the tourism council’s mission is to bring visitors to the area through the promotion of events, attractions and unique experiences.

“We are optimistic about the future of Belmont County and looking forward to all the upcoming events happening right here in friendly, beautiful Belmont County,” she added.