Governor Pritzker Launches $15.4
Million Tourism Grant Programs
Eligible entities can now apply for
funding to enhance tourism attractions, events and festivals
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[October 22, 2023]
Governor
JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic
Opportunity (DCEO) launched $15.4 million in tourism funding through
two grant programs, the Tourism Attractions Grant Program ($10.8
million) and the Tourism Private Sector Grant Program ($4.6
million). Eligible entities can apply for grants to attract,
develop, and improve new and existing tourism-related projects,
events and festivals in an effort to boost tourism across the state
and welcome more visitors. Grantees will be selected through a
competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) process.
“Illinois is the heart of the Midwest—attracting visitors from
throughout the nation and around the globe,” said Governor JB
Pritzker. “As our tourism industry continues to bounce back from the
pandemic, I’m happy to announce another $15.4 million in tourism
funding, so we can keep breaking records and displaying Illinois
values of resilience and strength on an international scale.”
The $10.8 million Tourism Attractions Grant Program will provide
funding for the development or improvement of tourism attractions in
Illinois, such as museums, recreation areas, amusement parks, and
more. The goal of the program is to provide assistance for projects
that increase the economic impact of tourism throughout Illinois by
increasing visitation rates, boosting hotel occupancy, increasing
local hotel and sales tax revenue, and more.
“Illinois is the 'middle of everything' and that's evident from our
booming tourism industry. These new grant programs will build upon
our robust tourism attractions and bring even more visitors to our
great state,” said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. “This growth will
benefit communities across Illinois-- from small business owners to
local economies and our working families.”
DCEO is also allocating $4.6 million through the Tourism Private
Sector Grant Program which provides funding to entities to attract,
host and develop new or enhanced events and festivals across
Illinois. The grant opportunity is open to non-profits, government
entities, for-profit institutions, and local promotional groups and
as defined in state statute, matching funds must be provided by
private sector entities, which is the origin of the program’s name.
Grant funds can be used for a variety of purposes that support new,
expanded, or enhanced events and festivals including advertising and
marketing, transportation, building or equipment rental, receptions
and banquets, registration, entertainment, and more.
“Illinois continues to break tourism records, and
DCEO is building upon this momentum by continuing to support
attractions and festivals in every corner of the state,” said DCEO
Director Kristin Richards. “By attracting new events and supporting
attractions across the state, we’re increasing opportunities to show
visitors from near and far that Illinois is the best place to live,
work and do business.”
Eligible applicants for both tourism grants include counties,
municipalities, not-for-profit organizations, local promotion
groups, and for-profit entities, and Tourism Attraction grants are
also open to units of local government.
“Illinois’ tourism industry is unmatched, and the
funding provided by these grants will help the state draw in
visitors for years to come,” said Sen. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago).
“World-class attractions across Illinois have helped the state make
a name itself, and I encourage eligible entities to apply for grant
funding to attract and improve events, festivals and other
tourism-related projects.”
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For the Tourism Attraction
program, qualified entities can apply for grants between $15,000
to $500,000, with a 1:1 match required. Applications will be
accepted until December 18, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. To view the NOFO
and apply for the grant, please visit the DCEO website. To help
applicants prepare to apply for funding, DCEO will be holding a
webinar focused on the Tourism Attraction Grant Program from 1-2
p.m. on Thursday, October 26.
“Illinois is known as the Middle of Everything for a reason –
from world-class cities to beloved attractions and breathtaking
nature, Illinois is a premier travel destination,” said Sen.
Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford). “The State-supported tourism
funding opportunities will support both new and existing events
and attractions, thus bolstering local economies throughout the
state.”
Eligible entities can apply for Tourism Private Sector grants
between $10,000 to $500,000, with a 1:1 match requirement.
Applications will be accepted until December 4, 2023, at 5:00
p.m. To view the NOFO and apply for the grant, please visit the
DCEO website. To help applicants prepare to apply for funding,
DCEO will be holding a webinar focused on the Tourism Private
Sector Grant Program from 1-2 p.m. on Wednesday, October 25.
Interested parties are also encouraged to reach out
to CEO.GrantHelp@illinois.gov for application assistance.
“As Illinois’ tourism industry continues to grow, communities are
reaping the benefits of increased foot traffic, hotel occupancy,
patronage at local businesses and restaurants, and more,” said Rep.
Kimberly du Buclet (D-Chicago). “Eligible entities can make a direct
impact on their local communities by applying for the Tourism
Attractions and Tourism Private Sector Grant Programs.”
The State of Illinois continues to prioritize its tourism industry
as millions of visitors spend billions of dollars annually across
Illinois, boosting economic development and supporting jobs in the
industry. Illinois reached its highest-ever hotel revenue figures in
FY23 with $308 million – surpassing the pre-pandemic record in FY19.
Additionally, Illinois welcomed 111 million visitors who spent $44
billion in 2022 – representing 14 million additional travelers
spending $12 billion more than calendar year 2021.
The success of Illinois' tourism sector is due to commitment to
supporting the industry as well as the Illinois Office of Tourism's
award-winning “Middle of Everything” campaign. Since it launched in
2022, the campaign has contributed to an additional 2 million trips
equaling an additional $1 billion spent in Illinois hotels,
restaurants, small businesses, and attractions, according to data
from Longwoods International. Additionally, every $1 spent on the
campaign equated to $91 in visitor spending while generating $10 in
state and local tax revenue for every dollar spent - an enormous
return on investment.
To learn more about Illinois and to plan an Illinois getaway, visit
www.EnjoyIllinois.com.
About the Illinois Office of Tourism:
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO),
Office of Tourism manages industry efforts that result in
sustainable and significant economic and quality-of-life benefits
for Illinois residents. To learn more, visit EnjoyIllinois.com.
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