Marketing to Attract Marquis Events (MTAME)

The 2026 Marquis Events Grant Program, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) through its Office of Tourism, was established under the Tourism Promotion Fund legislation (Act 109 of 2018) and is funded by Act 45 of 2025. This grant program is designed to position Pennsylvania as a leading destination for large-scale, world-class events in 2026, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the United States. By allocating funds strategically, the state aims to attract high-profile, tourism-driving activities that promote regional economic development and state visibility on a national and international stage. The grant supports a range of eligible applicants including nonprofit organizations, for-profit businesses, industry associations, and commissions that are directly responsible for hosting major events. Events of interest include professional or international sports tournaments, public festivals, multi-day cultural or sports activations, fan zones, and signature celebrations. Applicants must demonstrate their capacity to provide a 50% funding match relative to the grant award. This matching requirement is a core eligibility criterion to ensure local investment and sustainability. Funding from the 2026 Marquis Events Grant Program can be applied to several cost categories. These include event operations such as venue rental, staffing, and logistics; public safety and security infrastructure like surveillance, fencing, and emergency communications; transportation and mobility solutions; event-specific infrastructure such as temporary stages, signage, and broadcast-ready equipment; and commemorative or community-focused projects. Marketing, talent bookings, and legacy projects with long-term public engagement elements are also eligible. However, the grant explicitly prohibits the use of funds for lobbying, refinancing, personal equipment for long-term organizational use, or covering unpaid taxes or legal fines. Applicants must submit a complete application through the Electronic Single Application (ESA) portal within a 30-day submission window once the program opens. A comprehensive proposal must include a program summary, detailed budget, economic impact projections, and supporting documentation such as cost estimates and proof of match funding. Specific application exhibits include a project description, documentation of 50% matching funds, and professionally verified cost estimates. The program does not involve a pre-application process like Letters of Intent but does require adherence to branding guidelines that promote Pennsylvania's tourism identity, including mandatory inclusion of VisitPA logos and links. Evaluation of applications will consider factors such as projected attendance, hotel room nights generated, direct economic spending, jobs created, and media viewership. Grantees must commit to maintaining detailed records and complying with nondiscrimination, worker safety, and procurement transparency requirements. For grants totaling $1 million or more, a full audit is required; for others, a grant close-out report suffices. The reimbursement-based disbursement process requires submission of valid invoices and evidence of expenditures, including proof of the 50% match. Applicants must be registered vendors with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania before a grant can be awarded. Additionally, awardees must use the state’s ACH system for payments. Final project reports are expected after completion. Though not explicitly recurring, the grant aligns with the state's broader tourism and economic development goals, particularly in celebration of the nation’s semiquincentennial. Contact information for assistance with vendor registration and submissions is included in the guidelines, and all application materials must be submitted electronically.

Applicants with stronger Economic Impact Reports are prioritized; branding and VisitPA linking are mandatory.