New funding opportunity aims to preserve cultural assets, strengthen community identity, and drive year-round tourism
LONG ISLAND, NY (February, 2026) - Discover Long Island (DLI), the region’s only accredited destination marketing organization, is announcing the launch of the 2026 Suffolk County Destination Development: History, Arts & Culture Grant Program, a new competitive funding initiative designed to support historic preservation, arts and cultural enhancement, and community-centered tourism projects throughout Suffolk County.
“At Discover Long Island, we are proud to invest directly back into the communities and cultural assets that make our destination so distinctive,” said Discover Long Island Chief Operating Officer, Sharon Wyman. “It is not unusual for destination marketing organizations to reinvest in the very places and experiences that visitors come to see especially our historic sites, arts organizations, and cultural institutions. This grant program is designed to help strengthen and restore these treasured attractions, support community engagement, and ultimately drive greater visitation and economic impact across Suffolk County.”
The program will provide grants ranging from $5,000 to $35,000 to eligible Suffolk County nonprofit organizations, municipalities, museums, arts organizations, and cultural institutions working to restore, activate, and enhance destinations that contribute to Long Island’s cultural identity and visitor economy. Applicants must be a Discover Long Island partner in good standing with the organization, and funded projects submitted for the grant must be completed within the 2026 calendar year.
“Year-round tourism and encouraging our residents to experience local destinations are both essential to Suffolk’s local economy,” said Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine. “The Suffolk County Destination Development Program is an innovative way for us to help our community partners and preserve our history while incentivizing Long Islanders to explore the beauty that is in their backyards.”
Projects eligible for funding include restoration and preservation of historic sites, capital improvements at cultural venues, exhibit and interpretation enhancements, accessibility upgrades, public art installations, and cultural programming tied directly to improved or restored spaces. All funded projects must demonstrate a clear visitor and community engagement component.
“Our historic and cultural institutions are the heart of our communities,” said Discover Long Island Interim President & CEO, Mitch Pally. “This program is about supporting the people doing meaningful work on the ground, preserving local history, elevating the arts, and creating welcoming, engaging places that benefit both residents and visitors alike.”
Applicants are required to provide a minimum 50% cash or in-kind match, encouraging collaboration, local investment, and long-term sustainability. Applications will be evaluated based on tourism and economic impact, project readiness, community engagement, sustainability, and the strength of partnerships.
For many cultural organizations, the program represents an opportunity to move long-planned projects forward.
“Funding like this has the power to be truly transformative,” said Lauren Wagner, Executive Director of Long Island Arts Alliance. “It signals a meaningful shift in how we value arts and culture on Long Island. When funding aligns with impact, cultural organizations are better positioned to expand access, strengthen community connection, and tell the stories that define our region.”
The grant program will be administered by Discover Long Island, with funding recommendations made by an independent review panel of experts in historic preservation, arts and culture, tourism, and community development.
Key dates include:
- Applicant Information Session: Tuesday, March 3, 2026
- Application Deadline: Thursday, April 30, 2026
- Award Announcements: Tuesday, June 30, 2026
- Project Completion Deadline: Thursday, December 31, 2026
Those interested in applying should email tourism@discoverlongisland.com for more information.
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ABOUT DISCOVER LONG ISLAND:
Discover Long Island is the region’s official destination marketing and leadership organization charged with furthering the destination’s thriving visitor economy, which saw recent record-breaking highs of $7.9 billion in visitor spending. The organization ensures Long Island’s coveted quality of life, thriving industries, and dynamic destination offerings are promoted on a global level, furthering economic development, and benefiting residents and businesses throughout the region. Awarded “Best Social Media” in the nation by the US Travel Association, the organization produces engaging content featuring local businesses and attractions garnering upwards of 10 million views. Additionally, the organization hosts a popular YouTube series, Long Island TV, as well as the Long Island Tea podcast. To learn more, please call 631-951-3900 or visit www.DiscoverLongIsland.com.
