LODGERS’ TAX EVENT FUND APPLICATION

Does your organization have an event that brings visitors to Ruidoso?

You might be eligible for financial support?

RUIDOSO LODGERS’ TAX FUNDING PROCESS AND ALLOWABLE EXPENSES

The Village of Ruidoso Lodgers’ Tax Committee accepts applications from local organizations for financial support of events that bring visitors to the region. These public funds must be administered according to NM State Law and Village Ordinances.

Applications are due by Noon on May 1, 2026, for events occurring between July 1, 2026, and June 30, 2027. Scroll down to access the online application. The applications will be reviewed and awarded at the Regular Lodgers’ Tax Meeting on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at 8:30 AM in Council Chambers at Village Hall. All applicants are encouraged to have representation at this meeting.

The Village of Ruidoso Lodgers’ Tax Committee accepts applications from local organizations for financial support of events that promote tourist-related events to out-of-town visitors with the intent of generating overnight hotel stays. Promotional materials must include the Village of Ruidoso Lodgers’ Tax logo on ALL promotional materials to be eligible for reimbursement. Click here to download the approved logo.

Priority consideration will be given to event planning during non-peak occupancy periods.  

APPLICATION PROCESS:

1. Submit a completed online application. See the form below.

2. Lodgers’ Tax Committee reviews and provides recommendations to Finance Department. The Lodgers’ Tax Committee can:

  • Make a funding request without changes

  • Make a funding request with changes

  • Deny funding request

  • Table funding request

3. Finance Department reviews the recommendation.

FAST FACTS ABOUT FUNDING:

  • Lodgers' Tax funding is available to assist with the cost of advertising, publicizing, and promoting tourist-related events to out-of-town visitors at least 60 miles from Ruidoso, with the intent of generating overnight hotel stays.

  • Lodgers' Tax funding cannot be used to fund, establish, or host an event or to pay for operational or administrative costs, including entertainment.

  • Promotional materials must include the Village of Ruidoso Lodgers’ Tax logo (click here for the approved logo) on ALL promotional materials to be eligible for reimbursement.

  • Approval and award of funds must be granted by Lodger’s Tax Committee BEFORE any expenditures are incurred. None of the 3 Ps (Placement, Production, Purchase) can take place before the applicant receives confirmation of the award.

  • Once funds are awarded, the organizer must provide an outline of the event marketing plan to be reviewed at the time of the grant contract signing. If the organizer requests an amount greater than $5,000, a complete comprehensive marketing plan will be required for review by the Village of Ruidoso.

  • A minimum of 3 high-resolution photos of the event must accompany the Request for Reimbursement. These photos will be used for promotion purposes by the Village of Ruidoso. Please provide information on how the photographer wishes to be credited.

  • Lodgers’ Tax funds awarded WILL NOT BE ADVANCED by the Village of Ruidoso. Within ninety (90) days of the event, organizers must submit PAID RECEIPTS with proof of payment and appropriate examples of all promotional materials. The Village of Ruidoso will then reimburse organizers for the funds that were awarded. Access our online reimbursement form HERE >>

  • The Lodger’s Tax Committee meets a minimum of 6 times per year. The committee will consider Lodgers' Tax Grant Requests once a year during the annual budgeting process (April) and should maintain high eligibility standards for recommendations. Funding may be considered at a Special Meeting if a new event is created outside these parameters.

  • Eligible expenses include:

    Radio, television, newspaper, billboards, or magazine advertisements

    Posters, brochures, flyers, postcards, or other printed marketing materials

    Postage to mail marketing materials

    Website, digital, and paid social media advertising.

    Free T-shirts for registered participants or attendees (Note: T-shirts that are sold or distributed to event staff are not eligible expenses).

SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION ONLINE USING THE FORM BELOW:

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