One Time Project Fund 2.0
One Time Project Fund (OTPF) 2.0
Please note: The application period opens at 9:00am on Friday, July 11. Grant applications will not be accepted before then.
Download the 2025 Grant Guidelines here.
Purpose of the OTPF
The One Time Project Fund (OTPF) is designed to support the creation or expansion of capital projects that showcase the unique attributes of Moore County and attract visitors from more than 50 miles away. The goal is to generate overnight stays and create long-term economic and tourism impact for the area.
About the MCTDA
The Moore County Tourism Development Authority (MCTDA), also known as the Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), is the official entity responsible for collecting and investing occupancy tax revenue in tourism marketing and development. A 3% occupancy tax is collected on all paid overnight accommodations in the county.
What Types of Projects Are Funded?
All grants will be awarded exclusively to capital projects, which are defined as:
- New construction, expansion, renovation, or replacement of an existing facility or facilities.
Note: To be eligible, the project must have a minimum total budget of $100,000, with up to $100,000 provided as a 50/50 match by the CVB.
Examples of types of eligible projects (Note: These are examples and not requests for these specific projects):
- Greenway or Trail Projects
- Facility Enhancements
- Parks & Outdoor Recreation Development
- Arts, Historical or Culturally Based Attractions
- Other projects that will expand, strengthen and sustain local tourism
Funding Overview
- Minimum total budget of $100,000 (CVB may match up to 50 percent)
- Enhance the destination experience for visitors and residents
- Attract overnight visitors from 50+ miles outside Moore County
- Be shovel-ready (preferred)
- No studies or routine maintenance
Grants will be awarded on a competitive basis, with priority given to projects that:
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Demonstrate a direct impact on increasing overnight visitors, i.e., attracting overnight visitors from more than 50 miles outside of Moore County
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Enhance the destination experience for both visitors and residents
- Do not include studies or maintenance work
Note: The MCTDA cannot guarantee that all applicants will be awarded funding. Funding may be awarded for less than the amount requested or not at all. Limited funds may not allow all projects to receive funding. Preference will be given to the projects that best demonstrate the above criteria. Final decisions regarding the award of grant funds are at the sole discretion of the MCTDA Board of Directors.
Grant Timeline
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Application Period: July 11 – September 12, 2025
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Application Submission:
Email: pwerz@homeofgolf.com
OR
Mail/Drop-Off:
Attn: Phil Werz
MCTDA, 155 W. New York Ave., Suite 300
Southern Pines, NC 28387 -
Grant Awards Announced: After the MCTDA Board meeting in December 2025
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All funds must be used by: June 30, 2027
- Download the Grant Application here. Please note: The application period opens at 9:00am on Friday, July 11. Grant applications will not be accepted before then.
Who Can Apply?
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Municipalities within Moore County
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Federally-recognized non-profit organizations with a tourism-related mission
Note: For-profit entities are not eligible for OTPF funding. Also, projects located at a single lodging property are ineligible for funding.
Grant Review Process
Applications will be reviewed by a five-member OTPF Committee:
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3 members from the MCTDA Board
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2 members from the Moore County business community with an understanding of tourism and the CVB
The Committee’s recommendations will be submitted to the MCTDA Board for final approval. Applicants may be asked to give an in-person presentation if more information is needed.
Evaluation Criteria
Applications will be scored based on:
- Project Information
- Clear timeline
- Innovation and uniqueness
- Strength of the application
- Financial Readiness
- Stability and credibility of the organization
- Proof of 50/50 match (excluding in-kind)
- Business and funding plan
- Project Impact
- Estimated room nights generated
- Potential audience reach
- Economic/community impact
- Post-project marketing plan
Important Requirements
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Funds must only be used for capital investment
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Projects must show potential to drive overnight stays
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Incomplete applications or those that fail to meet the guidelines will not be considered
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OTPF funds cannot be the first or only funds committed to a project.
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All submissions become public record under NC G.S. 132-1
Stipulations
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Misuse of funds will result in nonpayment
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Incomplete or non-compliant applications may be disqualified
Disclaimer
The MCTDA reserves the right to accept, partially fund, or reject any application based on alignment with OTPF goals and available funds.
Glossary
Occupancy Tax: A tax paid by guests staying in a paid overnight accommodation such as a hotel, motel, vacation rental or bed and breakfast. Guests visiting Moore County pay 3% occupancy tax. That rate will increase to 6% on January 1, 2026.
Out-of-Market: A term used to describe guests who reside outside of the Moore County market. The MCTDA defines out-of-market as someone living more than 50 miles away. Nearby out-of-markets include: Raleigh-Durham, Greensboro, High Point, Winston-Salem, Charlotte, and Wilmington. Further markets include: Atlanta, Washington, DC, Charleston, Richmond, and Tidewater area of Virginia.
Room Nights: One room night is defined as a single night spent in one room in a traditional lodging property or one night in a vacation, or short-term rental. If there are two or more guests staying in the room, vacation, or short-term rental, it’s considered one room night.
Shovel-Ready Project: A “shovel-ready” project is one that is fully planned, permitted, and ready for construction to begin immediately with sufficient funding. It implies all the necessary groundwork, including planning, zoning, environmental clearances, and infrastructure, has been completed.
Downloads: