Waterford — The Eastern Regional Tourism District will provide grant funding for marketing initiatives in support of eastern Connecticut’s tourism economy.

Eastern Connecticut businesses, nonprofits and municipalities are encouraged to develop marketing plans that focus on the region's tourism economy and encourage the safe enjoyment of Connecticut’s tourism opportunities.

Applications will be accepted through Jan. 15.

“The Eastern Regional Tourism District is pleased to continue providing this Regional Marketing Partnership Program to bolster our existing efforts,” said Jim Bellano, the district’s chairman. “We’ve had two successful rounds of marketing grants that have provided opportunities to organizations that may not have had the means to market their programs without the district’s assistance.”

The state Office of Tourism has allocated $50,000 to fund the program, with individual awards capped at $10,000. Requirements include:

• Marketing program applicants must be located within the 41-town Eastern Regional Tourism District.

• Programs must represent a region, a theme, or clusters of businesses, or towns.

• Programs should support the existing tourism brand identity of “Mystic Country.”

• Marketing plans must be compatible with district and Connecticut Office of Tourism initiatives and objectives.

• Programs and messaging must be approved by the district's Marketing Committee.

• Partners will be required to submit regular expenditure and work reports to the district within 60 days of the agreement.

• Upon completion of this program, awardees must submit a final report to the district documenting the use of grant funds.

• The Marketing Committee will select program participants

To submit a plan for consideration, the plan must be in PDF format and be submitted to Rachel Lenda at the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut at rlenda@chamberect.com. Plans should include a full project description, timeline, measurable goals and proposed budget. Applicants will be eligible for one program grant per year.