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 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.”
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.
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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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