The Twentynine Palms Tourism Business Improvement District Board of Directors meets for their regular monthly meeting on Thursday to consider a number of applications for event funding in the coming months.
The Board, known as the TBID, offers grants of up to $3000 and sponsorships of up to $20,000 for grants and programs within the City of Twentynine Palms with the objective of increasing tourism to the city.
The application period ended on April 1, and will provide funding for events and programs beginning in July through the end of the year.
TBID Director of Marketing Breanne Dusastre said that the TBID saw a significant increase in applications for this round of funding. 14 event sponsorships will be considered for funding up to $3000 at the meeting.
Of the 18 grant applications, which can qualify for funding up to $20,000, the Board has already evaluated and ranked six of the applications to move forward for further consideration. This includes a climbing “royale rumble” proposed by Cliffhanger Guides for December 12, a Joshua Tree Half Marathon proposed by Vacation races for November 1, the third edition of the 29 Palms Book Festival, organized by Desert General for November 7, AERIALNAUTS, a live performance event proposed by Sarah Kotzman for August 1, the second installment of the 29 Queer Film Festival proposed for September 19, and Climb Smart, a conservation and education event proposed by Friends of Joshua Tree for November 21.
With more events proposed to the TBID than funding will allow, the Board was able to be more discerning regarding events than they have been in the past. Comments from board members on rejected projects include scheduling and budget inconsistencies, vague proposals, ADA requirements, and in one case, sexual misconduct allegations against a person involved in the proposal.
The Board will consider, review and possibly fund proposals at Thursday’s public meeting, which is set for 3:30 p.m. at Twentynine Palms City Hall, located at 6136 Adobe Road in Twentynine Palms.
