Carbon hotel tax funds go to community projects
Carbon County Commissioners and the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau recently announced nearly $100,000 in funding for nonprofit organizations, their events, and related marketing support this year will be distributed through the Carbon County Hotel Tax Disbursement Program.
Utilizing funds generated from overnight stays in Carbon County, the program has helped fund many initiatives over the years.
“Carbon County is fortunate to have numerous dedicated nonprofit organizations. Thanks to the support provided by the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau through Hotel Tax Disbursement, these organizations can bring about positive change and make lasting impacts in our communities,” said Michael Sofranko, Chairman, Carbon County Commissioners.
“These funds support organizations vital to the Pocono Mountains’ tourism economy. Their unique experiences and events make our region the special place that it is for so many who are proud to be a part of the Poconos’ success story,” said Chris Barrett, President/CEO, Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau.
Funds are distributed once per year. While applications for 2026 have closed, eligible nonprofits are encouraged to apply next year by the Jan. 30, 2027 deadline.
The 2026 recipients are:
• Airing of the Quilts - Palmerton, $3,000
• ARTisaSHIP, $3,500
• Bach and Handel Chorale, $1,500
• Borough of Jim Thorpe, $16,000
• Carbon County Art League, $1,000
• Carbon County Fair, $2,000
• Citizens’ Fire Company #1, $2,000
• Franklin Township Volunteer Fire Company, $4,000
• Jacob’s Weissport Historical Society, $2,500
• Jim Thorpe Community Watch, $2,525
• Jim Thorpe Tourism Agency, $8,000
• Kidder Township Police Department, $7,664
• Lansford Alive, $3,300
• Lansford Alive - Lansford 150th Anniversary, $2,600
• Lansford Historical Society, $2,800
• Lehighton Ambulance Association Inc., $5,850
• Lehighton Area Merchant Association, $3,945
• Lehighton Area Park Pals, $1,200
• Lehighton Downtown Initiative - 250th Lehighton Parade, $500
• Lehighton Downtown Initiative - 4th of July Fireworks, $500
• Lehighton Downtown Initiative - Hometown Vintage Christmas, $500
• Lehighton Downtown Initiative - Music Festival, $500
• Lehighton Downtown Initiative - Wine on the River, $500
• Mauch Chunk Museum & Cultural Center, $2,355
• No 9. Museum, $3,400
• Old Jail Museum, $3,630
• Onoko Fire and Rescue, $3,200
• Palmerton Area Historical Society, $1,360
• Palmerton Chamber of Commerce, $2,165
• Rotary Club of Jim Thorpe, $1,500
• Ukrainian Homestead, $2,500
• Weatherly Hillclimb Association, $4,000
Pocono Mountains visitor information is available online at PoconoMountains.com or by phone at 570-421-5791.
Established in 1934, the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau is a private, nonprofit membership organization. The PMVB is the official destination marketing organization for the four counties of Wayne, Pike, Monroe, and Carbon in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The PMVB operates the 24/7 Pocono Television Network which can be found on streaming, broadcast and cable.