MCEDP

SOUTHERN PINES, N.C. – Visit Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen, the official tourism development authority for Moore County, has announced a new grant program for the 2026-27 fiscal year. The Tourism Enhancement and Area Marketing (T.E.A.M.) grants are available to municipalities, governmental and specific non-profit organizations. A total pool of $250,000 is available with a maximum award of $25,000 based on grant requirements and determined by the T.E.A.M. grant committee composed of three Moore County Tourism Development Authority (MCTDA) board members.

“We are excited about this new opportunity to impact the Moore County community with this new grant program,” said Phil Werz, President and CEO of Visit Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen. “While the previous two programs were specifically for capital projects, this cycle has opened up the opportunities for a number of other categories and considerations. We look forward to reviewing applications and announcing the awards later this year.”

The primary purpose of the grant program is to encourage mainly projects that will attract overnight visitors outside of a 50-mile radius, thus generating overnight stays and stimulating economic impact across Moore County. The grant program application period ends on Aug. 28. Since 2024, the TDA has awarded more than $1.8 million for grants for a variety of projects throughout Moore County.

The categories include multi-day festivals and special events, specific elements for meetings and conventions, tourism improvements for projects such as wayfinding, beautification, trail or facility appearance enhancements, or approved public art projects, especially ones that amplify the TDA’s new advertising campaign set to launch this fall. Eligible projects also must be located in Moore County, and any multi-day events or festivals must be open to the public to attend, participate and spectate. Ineligible projects would include political events, church or religious functions, fundraisers, family reunions, local or county school programs, events or fundraisers, or general administrative or operating expenses.

For full grant program details, application and more information, go to: https://homeofgolf.com/team-grant.

For more information on Visit Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen and tourism in Moore County, visit HomeofGolf.com.

About Visit Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen
Visit Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen is the economic development agency responsible for travel and tourism promotion, product development, and visitor services for Moore County, NC. The organization devises strategies to enhance the County’s tourism brand value and product to accommodate the next generation of visitors, thereby stimulating the local economy and enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. In 2024, Moore County ranked as the 10^th-largest tourism economy in North Carolina, generating $860 million annually in visitor spending, which supports the second largest employment sector in the county and saves county residents approximately $546 a year in state and local taxes.

# # #