Columbia Valley Tourism Impact Fund

Outdoor recreation is a huge part of what makes our region special, but funding the development of new recreational assets and maintenance can be challenging for a number of reasons. Resources like trails, parks, viewpoints, and other community-accessible outdoor spaces support both quality of life for residents as well provide an important attraction for visitors. However, in order to build new features, and keep existing resources safe and in good condition, organizations have to rely on substantial volunteer hours and sporadic funding sources.

Columbia Valley Tourism recognized the impact that increased tourism had on local outdoor recreation, and also the opportunity to provide sustainable funding through an endowment fund with the Columbia Valley Community Foundation. By investing in the development, enhancement, and ongoing maintenance of public amenities that enrich outdoor recreation throughout the Columbia Valley, the Fund helps ensure residents and visitors alike can enjoy the region’s natural beauty for generations to come.

In addition, this fund represents a collaborative approach across organizations to build value for people who enjoy the Valley regardless of whether they’re here for a day or a lifetime. Using funding from tourism to maintain, enhance, and develop outdoor experiences for everyone is an innovative approach to addressing the common funding challenges faced by destinations that rely on the economic benefits of outdoor recreation and tourism.

By working with the Columbia Valley Community Foundation to manage the fund, Columbia Valley Tourism helps ensure that the funds are accessible to local organizations as part of the Community Grants program, and also distributed with input from Columbia Valley residents and volunteers on the grant adjudication committee. The first grants will be awarded during the 2026 grant cycle, and donations from the public are accepted at the donation page linked below.