Hospitality Tax (HTax) Grants in Forest Acres

What is HTAX?

Each year, the City of Forest Acres distributes Hospitality Tax (HTax) grants based on the amount of hospitality tax collected within the city. HTax is a 2% tax on prepared food and beverages sold in restaurants, bars, and similar establishments. These funds are reinvested into the community to support tourism-related events and projects that enhance the local economy and quality of life.

HTax funds are allocated in two primary ways:

1. Budgeted HTax Expenditures
   A portion of the revenue is set aside for recurring city-sponsored events that draw visitors and support local businesses. These include popular community events such as the Forest Acres Festival, Sweet Seasons, and IllumiNight.
2. HTax Grants for Local Organizations
   Local nonprofits, schools, and other eligible organizations may apply for HTax grants to fund tourism-related programs and events. Applications are reviewed by a five-member HTax Committee, which is overseen by a member of City Council. The committee evaluates each application and votes on a funding recommendation.

That recommendation is then presented to City Council, which votes on the final award amount.

HTax grants are a vital way the City of Forest Acres supports community-driven projects that contribute to the city's charm, economy, and sense of place.

2025 Budgeted HTAX Events/Expenditures:

Sweet Seasons: $41,000

Forest Acres Festival (Forest Acres Rotary): $38,000

IllumiNight (Serve and Connect): $20,000

Friends of our Forces (Columbia Chamber of Commerce): $15,000

Forest Acres Farmers Market: $1,000

2025 HTAX Grant Requests

AC Flora Baseball Classic: $25,000

Therapy Place Miracles in Motion 5k: $5,000

Therapalooza: $15,000

Midlands Light Opera Society Pirates of Penzance: $2,450

AC Flora High School Softball Team: $2,500

AC Flora Booster Club Super Saturday: $2,250

Jonathan Bankhead Smash Cancer Tournament: $10,000

Arts in the Acres: $4,300

Satchel Ford PTO Freaky Friday: $2,500

Midlands Light Opera fall show: $3,410

This list is updated as grant requests come into the City of Forest Acres.