discover newport’s new sponsorship program
Discover Newport is pleased to introduce its new Sponsorship Program—a strategic initiative designed to support projects that drive overnight visitation and strengthen the tourism economy across Newport and Bristol Counties.
As the region’s destination marketing organization, our focus is on attracting visitors, extending stays, and encouraging year-round travel. This program represents a targeted investment in initiatives that align with that mission—particularly those that generate measurable tourism impact.
WHAT THE PROGRAM SUPPORTS
The program provides funding for a range of initiatives that enhance the visitor experience and contribute to the region’s overall appeal, including:
Special Events – Festivals, cultural events, and programming that attract visitors and generate overnight stays
Public Art – Creative placemaking efforts that add vibrancy and tell the region’s story
Beautification Projects – Enhancements that elevate the physical environment and first impressions
Wayfinding – Improvements that make it easier for visitors to navigate and explore the destination
FUNDING & PROCESS
Sponsorships awards range up to $15,000, with most awards falling between $1,000 and $10,000. Total funding for the program is capped at $200,000 annually.
Beginning in Fiscal Year 2027, the program will operate on a quarterly application cycle, providing multiple opportunities throughout the year to apply. Each round will be reviewed by the Discover Newport Sponsorship Committee to ensure alignment with strategic priorities.
Applications will be evaluated based on tourism impact, marketing strength, seasonal alignment, and overall benefit to the destination.
A STRATEGIC APPROACH
This program is intentionally designed to align funding with initiatives that:
- Drive overnight stays
- Support off-season and midweek visitation
- Deliver measurable economic impact
- Enhance the overall visitor experience
Awardees will also participate in a promotional partnership with Discover Newport, helping to amplify both the individual initiative and the destination as a whole.
LEARN MORE & APPLY
The first application window opens May 1, 2026.
For full program details, eligibility requirements, and application instructions, please review the complete guidelines here.
Ready to apply? Submit your application below.
TERMS OF SPONSORSHIP
Applicant agrees to the following Terms of Sponsorship:
1. Visibility and promotional opportunities for Discover Newport
- Name and logo recognition on all physical and digital materials for the program
- As agreed upon between Awardee and Discover Newport, any/or all of the following:
- Creation of a Discover Newport landing page on applicant website with destination information, links to lodging partners, etc. • Access to customer names and contact information that Discover Newport can use in future marketing; and assurance that applicant has provided “opt-in” language for any customers to receive Discover Newport marketing materials
- Opportunities for Discover Newport in program-related PR activities, particularly those with major outlets or national media coverage
- Complimentary tickets for qualified travel media, influencers, writers, and other VIPs
- Other promotional opportunities as available from Applicant
2. Guarantee a complete and accurate Final Report to Discover Newport within 60 days of the program’s conclusion.
3. Agree to notify Discover Newport immediately if the event is cancelled, rescheduled, or downsized. If dates or the event change, the contract becomes void and funding will no longer be guaranteed. Discover Newport must approve funding for the new dates/content.
4. Hold harmless Discover Newport, its Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers from all claims, liabilities, causes of action and judgements arising out of the event.
5. If sponsorship support is awarded, a completed and signed W9 must be provided prior to payment.
6. Failure to meet terms of sponsorship disqualifies you for future sponsorship funding for 12 months.
7. If the purpose of sponsorship funds changes from what was originally submitted to Discover Newport, the Applicant must notify Discover Newport in writing and get prior approval before reallocating sponsorship funding