The Economic Impact and Destination Event Grant Program

The Economic Impact and Destination Event Grant Program, administered by the Montana Department of Commerce’s Destination MT Division, provides reimbursement-based funding to support local events that attract tourism and generate economic impact across Montana. Established through legislative authority in 2023, the program is funded through an allocation of the 4% Lodging Facility Use Tax (bed tax). The program prioritizes events in rural, tribal, and under-visited communities, especially those occurring in shoulder seasons such as March–May and September–November. Eligible applicants include nonprofit 501(c) organizations, cooperatives, municipalities, county governments, consolidated governments, and tribal governments (with potential waiver of sovereign immunity). Events must be held in Montana and must aim to increase visitation from regional, national, or international audiences. Events focused on entertainment, tribal heritage, historical celebrations, or signature attractions are all eligible. Commerce does not support events that are private, members-only, reunions, fundraisers, or recurring operational activities. Grants of up to $25,000 are available per award, and no match is required. Approved applicants may seek reimbursement for specific event expenses such as marketing and content creation, event infrastructure rentals, safety and permitting, signage, and event evaluation. Funding cannot be used for travel, insurance, real property, equipment purchases, salaries, or general operating costs. All expenses must be incurred during the project period as defined in the grant contract. The application window for the 2025 cycle opens on November 18 and closes December 18, 2025. Applications must be submitted through the Montana Grants and Loans Portal. All proposals are reviewed for completeness and scored according to criteria outlined on the department’s website. Successful applicants will enter a grant agreement with Commerce, be assigned a liaison, and follow reporting and reimbursement procedures as defined in the contract. All awarded events must display the Commerce logo in promotional materials and acknowledge support publicly. Questions may be directed to [email protected] or the Tourism Grant Program line at 406-841-2796.

Prioritize tourism attraction and under-visited location; submit early; include measurable economic impact goals; follow reimbursement rules strictly; recognize Commerce in event promotion.