Tourism commission approves $500 match for Nature Center grant; Engage Franklin to supply additional $500

At its meeting, the Coastal Tourism Commission agreed to contribute $500 to a Nature Center grant application on the condition that Engage Franklin contribute a matching $500, creating a planned $1,000 combined contribution.

The commission debated the appropriate funding route before voting. Barbara Wessner questioned the application process, saying, “Why do we have this tourism grant application online if we’re not going to even recognize it?” and urged clarity about whether requests should come directly to the tourism commission or through Engage Franklin. Laura, a staff member with Engage Franklin, told the commission, “Engage Franklin would be happy to commit $500,” signaling the nonprofit’s willingness to match the tourism commission’s contribution.

Supporters said the Nature Center is a community asset and partner that can benefit visitation and community programming; skeptics said one-day events may not directly generate overnight stays and suggested the commission prioritize capital or tourism-generating projects. Commissioners discussed an administrative option: route the tourism commission’s $500 to Engage Franklin, which would then combine it with its own $500 and issue a single $1,000 payment to the Nature Center. The commission approved a motion to provide the $500 match with the expectation Engage Franklin will match, and members directed staff to process an invoice when submitted.

The commission also discussed how sponsorship credit and recognition would appear; staff said that the Nature Center would be presented as receiving funds from both Engage Franklin and the tourism commission. Staff agreed to notify the Nature Center contact, Carly Hens, that the contribution was approved and to await an invoice before payment.

The commission recorded no amendments to the award. The decision included an administrative note that Engage Franklin would handle disbursement to the Nature Center once it received the tourism commission’s funds and produced an invoice.