In Eastern Oregon, tourism is about a lot more than just hotel stays.
Our region is marked by vast landscapes, deep cultural roots, working lands, and communities shaped by people who care deeply about this place. When we make tourism investments in our region, we’re investing directly in the people and projects that make our corner of the state a vibrant place to live and visit.
In line with this priority, the Eastern Oregon Visitors Association (EOVA) is thrilled to announce the latest recipients of our Regional Grants Program. This year, we saw incredible interest from across the region, receiving 16 applications totaling over $80,000 in funding requests. We are proud to award grants to six projects that exemplify the innovation and stewardship happening in our backyard.
These grants, made possible by Travel Oregon’s Regional Cooperative Tourism Program (RCTP), are designed to accelerate projects that drive visitation, preserve our rich history, and support the professional growth of our local industries.
Meet This Year’s Winners
Crossroads Creative and Performing Art Center ($7,000) Based in Baker City, Crossroads is the oldest continuously operating art center east of the Cascades. This funding will support targeted marketing to Idaho and Washington, helping to stabilize attendance and boost shoulder-season visitors during a time of transition for local tourism funding.
Friends of the Owyhee: Birch Creek Heritage and Stewardship Experience ($7,000) This project focuses on the historic Birch Creek Ranch within the Owyhee Canyonlands. By installing bilingual interpretive signage and hosting community stewardship events, the project will transform the site into an educational destination that honors Indigenous roots and ranching legacy.
This funding allows us to carry out conservation advocacy that asks people to look closer and learn the ground beneath their feet. It means sharing the story of this country more fully and building a deeper sense of stewardship for one of the Owyhee’s most important historic landscapes. — Tim Davis, Founder of Friends of the Owyhee.
Art Center East: Carnegie Library Passport and Webpage ($5,220) Art Center East is celebrating Oregon’s historic Carnegie libraries by creating a digital and print “passport” experience. This initiative invites visitors to explore the unique history of these architectural gems in La Grande, Baker City, Pendleton, and beyond.
Rocks District Winegrowers: The Basalt Bash Barrel Auction ($7,000) Scheduled for July 2026, this event showcases the globally distinctive Rocks District of Milton-Freewater. The funding supports a high-quality place-based experience that includes winemaker events and a barrel auction, with a unique component involving local high school students in marketing and art.
The Basalt Bash is fundamental to raising expectations and possibility. We are working shoulder-to-shoulder with the local school district to improve the quality of life for residents; it is exciting to see how the community-at-large has been galvanized by this initiative. — Steve Robertson, President of Rocks District Winegrowers, notes that the event’s impact goes far beyond the vineyard.
Wallowa Mountains Hells Canyon Trails Association: Trail Ambassador Program ($3,000) This well-established volunteer program places ambassadors at high-use trailheads to educate hikers on safety, fire prevention, and responsible recreation. It ensures that as our trails get busier, the visitor experience remains safe and well-informed.
Chief Joseph Days Rodeo: Lighting & Visitor Experience Enhancement ($7,000) Following a successful first phase, this grant will help complete the installation of high-efficiency LED lighting in spectator and pedestrian areas. These upgrades improve safety and visibility for one of Eastern Oregon’s most iconic and celebrated summer events.
Why This Matters
Our local partners are doing incredible work to make Eastern Oregon a world-class destination. Whether it’s preserving history and deepening a cultural experience, or ensuring a hiker knows how to recreate responsibly, these projects elevate the lived experience for locals and visitors alike.
“EOVA is proud to be the regional partner that facilitates these connections,” shared Executive Director Alana Carollo. “The Regional Grants Program is just one of the many resources we offer to help local businesses and organizations thrive. We are here to bridge the gap between local governments, small business owners, and tribal partners to ensure our growth is steady and sustainable.”
Get Involved
Are you a local business owner, government official, or nonprofit leader looking to grow your impact? We want to hear from you.
- Explore our Resources: Check out our [“Who We Are & What We Do” one-pager] to see how we champion resilient tourism.
- Stay Informed: Keep an eye on our industry site and newsletter for upcoming grant cycles and professional development opportunities.
- Connect: Reach out to us directly to see how we can support your next project.
