Seven regional tourism projects received a total of $280,000 from the Visit Central Oregon Future Fund, according to the destination management organization.

The Future Fund selected the projects from among 19 applications, according to Visit Central Oregon. The projects funded include a new exhibit at the High Desert Museum, an adaptive golf effort at Explore Prineville, the High Desert Gravel Adventure Guide, Deschutes River Alliance Troutfest 2025, the Tower Theatre Foundation’s replacement of a wheelchair lift to the stage, and a traveler rest spot in Antelope.

To be selected applications needed to be aligned with three program pillars: stewardship, cultural tourism and expanding access to outdoor adventure. Since starting, more than $1.5 million has been awarded. Grants are funded by transient room tax dedicated to tourism.