County Executive Lamont McClure and the Department of Community and Economic Development announce that county council approved $681,500 for 47 Hotel Tax Grants at a recent meeting.

Hotel Tax Grants are funded through the county’s tax on hotels and Airbnbs.

For a project to be eligible, it must enhance tourism and/or promote community development and be completed within the 2023 Calendar Year.

“Municipal festivals, our parks and trails system, art organizations, living history exhibitions and events like Musikfest are instrumental in bringing art, theatre and music to our communities,” said McClure.

“Hotel Tax grants promote culture and encourage tourists to visit Northampton County.”

Hotel Tax Grants are awarded through a competitive process. Applications are screened by the Hotel Tax Review Committee which forwards its recommendations to the county executive.

The grants are distributed at the discretion of county council. Applicants must either be a federally registered non-profit entity, 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4), or a municipal entity located within Northampton County.

Some of the local grants include:

Artsquest - $60,000

Bach Choir - $20,000

Bethlehem Area

Public Library - $2,500

Godfrey Daniels - $1,500

Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites - $35,000