The Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity has announced two grant opportunities for which applications are now being accepted:
Tourism Attraction Grant Program: for the development or improvement of tourism attractions in Illinois. This is a competitive state-funded initiative designed to spur economic development by expanding and improving the state’s tourism sector.
By providing a $1.8 million funding pool with individual awards spanning from $15,000 to $200,000, the program helps eligible entities upgrade or build attractions that draw both domestic and international travelers.
The program focuses on driving long-term economic activity across Illinois. Projects must demonstrate an alignment with specific tourism metrics, including:
- Increasing overall visitor numbers and drawing new demographics.
- Boosting local hotel occupancy and overnight stays.
- Generating regional sales tax and hotel tax revenues.
Funding is open to a diverse mix of both public and private entities, including:
- Counties and municipalities.
- Not-for-profit organizations and local promotion groups.
- For-profit businesses and units of local government.
The program is a cost-reimbursement model that requires local matching funds. The matching ratio depends heavily on the entity type:
- Non-profits, Local Governments, & Promotion Groups: Must provide at least a 1:1 match (50% of the total project budget).
- For-Profit Businesses: Must provide at least a 3:1 match (75% of the total project budget).
- Expenses: The program does not allow pre-award costs or indirect costs.
CLICK HERE FOR APPLICATION PROCESS & MORE INFORMATION
Tourism Private Sector Grant Program: for the purpose of attracting and hosting tourism events in Illinois. This is a competitive state-funded initiative structured specifically to attract, host, and enhance prominent events and festivals across Illinois.
Unlike the Attraction Grant (which funds permanent physical infrastructure), this program allocates a $600,000 funding pool with individual awards between $10,000 and $50,000 to offset the operational and promotional costs of bringing short-term tourism events to life.
The program’s primary goal is to increase immediate regional visitation and overnight hotel stays. It aims to channel economic activity into local communities by funding high-draw events that encourage tourists to spend money on hospitality, dining, and local retail.
The program is highly flexible regarding who can apply. Funding is open to:
- Not-for-profit organizations and local promotional groups.
- For-profit businesses and entities.
- Government units, counties, and municipalities.
Grants support both new events and the significant expansion of existing ones. Eligible expenses typically include:
- Marketing and advertising to attract out-of-town visitors.
- Entertainment contracts and performer fees.
- Operational rentals (e.g., staging, sound equipment, temporary buildings).
- Logistics like event transportation, registration setups, receptions, and banquets.
- Note: Similar to other state grants, indirect costs are strictly prohibited.
Applicants are required to bring non-governmental matching funds to the table. Eligible entities must match the grant amount dollar-for-dollar (1:1 match) using private sector or non-governmental funding sources to demonstrate community backing and financial viability.
CLICK HERE FOR APPLICATION PROCESS & MORE INFORMATION
Applications Due November 13th!
