Certain organizations in Sumner may be eligible to receive tax grants in 2011.

Sumner is accepting applications for lodging tax grants because two of the city’s hotels are expected to generate enough money to give an estimated $50,000 to non-profit or government organizations to promote Sumner tourism.

Applications are available at www.ci.sumner.wa.us and are due by 4 p.m. Nov. 4.

To be eligible, nonprofit or government organizations need to put the funds toward encouraging tourism in Sumner and account for the number of tourists they bring.

A report for the Tacoma Regional Convention and Visitors Bureau showed that in 2009, tourism in Sumner accounted for $600,000 in local tax receipts.

“The idea behind the lodging tax law is ensure a healthy tourism industry for communities into the future,” said Carmen Palmer, Sumner’s communications director. “Once tourists come to Sumner, they spend money here by shopping and dining. That money then supports local businesses as well as other city services through sales tax revenue.”

Earlier this year, the Sumner City Council established a committee to allocate lodging tax.

After the applications are received, the committee will listen to presentations on Nov. 10 from the applicants.

The committee will then make recommendations to the Sumner City Council for approval. An information session is scheduled for 2 p.m. Oct. 22 at City Hall. Organizations interested in applying and wanting to learn more are encouraged to attend.