Hotel tax dollars to support marketing efforts for 2026 events
Wayne County Commissioners, Wayne County Hotel Tax Board, and the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau (PMVB) are proud to announce roughly $143,000 in funding for events and nonprofit organizations for the coming year thanks to the Tourism Project Disbursement Allocation Program. This program has helped to fund many organizations and events over the past eight years totaling roughly $1 million in awards. Applications for funding were submitted from a variety of integral partners in bringing visitors to the area in 2026 including music festivals, historical celebrations and more.
“We are fortunate to support numerous organizations and events annually through this funding, which, in turn, contributes to the vibrancy of our county by providing cultural offerings and supporting our local economy,” said Wayne County Chief Clerk Andrew Seder. “Wayne County boasts a high quality of life due to the countless volunteer efforts and dedicated staff at nonprofits.”
Applications underwent review by the Wayne County Tourism Promotion Committee and the PMVB resulting in allocations. Receiving funding in 2026 are events that support more than 30 groups including Greater Honesdale Partnership, Downtown Hawley Partnership, Chamber of the Northern Poconos, Wayne County Historical Society, as well as fairs and festivals throughout the year.
These disbursements provide marketing assistance to nonprofits and event promoters to assist in bringing visitors to Wayne County and the Pocono Mountains each year providing additional revenue for area businesses.
In 2025, 28 awards were given to groups and organizations totaling roughly $150,000.
2026 PMVB Tourism Grant Awards
| Organization | Amount |
| Chamber of the Northern Poconos | $12,000.00 |
| Delaware Highlands Conservancy | $3,500.00 |
| Downtown Hawley Partnership | $12,000.00 |
| Equinunk Historical Society | $3,000.00 |
| Farm Arts Collective | $2,000.00 |
| GDS Fair | $7,500.00 |
| Greater Honesdale Partnership | $12,000.00 |
| Foundation of Harmony Presents | $6,000.00 |
| Lacawac Sanctuary Foundation | $6,000.00 |
| Lake Wallenpaupack Watershed Management District | $1,500.00 |
| Newfoundland Area Public Library | $4,750.00 |
| Northeast PA Maple Producers | $2,000.00 |
| Pleasant Mount Public Library | $1,000.00 |
| Ritz Playhouse | $4,000.00 |
| Roots and Rhythm | $5,000.00 |
| Rotary Club of Honesdale | $4,000.00 |
| St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church | $2,000.00 |
| Cooperage Project | $5,000.00 |
| Wayne County AgroLegacy | $2,000.00 |
| Wayne County Arts Alliance | $5,000.00 |
| Wayne County Community Foundation (Hawley Silk Mill Fiber Festival) | $5,000.00 |
| Wayne County Community Foundation (Creative Communities Arts Trail) | $1,000.00 |
| Wayne County Community Foundation (Fall Music Festival) | $5,000.00 |
| Wayne County Community Foundation (Lackawaxen River Trails) | $4,000.00 |
| Wayne County Community Foundation (Wayne County Creative Arts Council) | $2,000.00 |
| Wayne County Fair | $10,000.00 |
| Wayne County Farmers Market | $3,500.00 |
| Wayne County Historical Society | $5,000.00 |
| Wayne County Public Library | $1,000.00 |
| Dorflinger-Suydam Wildflower Music Festival | $5,000.00 |
| Women's Club of Honesdale | $2,000.00 |
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CONTACT:
Andrew M. Seder, Chief Clerk
570-253-5970 - ext. 1301
[email protected]
