East Sierra News

The Inyo County Board of Supervisors has announced the availability of $40,000 in competitive grants aimed at supporting events and projects benefiting both residents and visitors in 2025. Applications for the Community Project Sponsorship Program (CPSP) are open from today, December 2, with a submission deadline set for January 31, 2025.

The grants target local non-profit groups and other entities planning events or projects within Inyo County during the upcoming year. The maximum request per application is $7,500. Interested parties can access the online application at https://inyocountyvisitor.com/cpsp/, where they will also find guidelines, review criteria, tax status certification forms, and a final report template. While hard copy submissions are accepted upon request, online applications are preferred.

"The CPSP program is focused on helping local organizations promote activities and programs that bring visitors to the area and enhance the cultural and recreational quality of life of the county’s residents," according to officials. Last year's funding supported initiatives such as Friends of the Lone Pine Airport's terminal building rehabilitation project and Inyo County Search and Rescue's fundraising trail races.

Non-profit applicants must maintain good standing with both federal and state tax authorities. Depending on planned activities, insurance documentation may be required before funds are released. Entities owing property taxes to Inyo County will not receive funding.

This competitive grant is one part of three CPSP programs: nearly $50,000 goes to perennial community events like Mule Days; $32,500 supports local fishing derbies. Additionally, separate from CPSP funds are nearly $25,000 in County Marketing Grants and $122,000 through Grants-in-Support.

Applications must be complete with all necessary signatures by 5 p.m., January 31—postmarks will not be considered valid proof of timely submission—and sent to the Office of the County Administrator.

An independent Review Panel will evaluate eligible applications based on completeness before recommending funding levels. For further information about guidelines or processes related to these grants, interested organizations can contact (760) 878-0292.