The FY26 Iowa Tourism Marketing Grant (ITMG) is administered by the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) through its Iowa Tourism Office. This annual grant program supports tourism-related marketing campaigns, initiatives, and projects that stimulate travel to Iowa and benefit both local communities and the statewide economy. The program is designed to help Iowa-based tourism entities promote unique visitor experiences through collaborative marketing aligned with state-level strategies and goals.
The grant funds tourism-focused campaigns and marketing projects that are measurable, well-researched, and aligned with the Iowa Tourism Office’s strategic messaging and targeted audiences. Strong preference is given to applications that align with IEDA’s marketing strategy and demonstrate the potential to elevate local tourism assets to an out-of-state audience. All projects must be completed and paid for within the calendar year, January 1 through December 31, 2026.
A total of $300,000 is available in this funding cycle. Individual awards range from $2,500 to $10,000 and must be requested in $100 increments (e.g., $2,500, $2,600). Applicants must contribute at least 20% of the total project budget as a cash match; in-kind support and discounts are not eligible match sources. Applications that do not meet the minimum match or request thresholds will be deemed ineligible.
Eligible applicants include Iowa-based tourism-related nonprofits, for-profits, cities, counties, and regional government or planning entities. Each entity may submit only one application per funding cycle. The same project is not eligible to receive funding in consecutive years.
The application period opens in August 2025 and closes on September 30, 2025. All applicants will be notified of funding decisions in December 2025. Funded applicants are expected to complete their projects and submit all necessary documentation within the 2026 calendar year. A scoring rubric is used to evaluate eligible applications based on merit, alignment with state goals, and demonstrated impact. Additional resources, including scoring criteria and program guidelines, are available at https://industrypartners.traveliowa.com/iowa-tourism-grants/.
For more information or technical assistance, applicants may contact Lora Friest at 515-348-6254.
Only submit one application per cycle. Ensure expenses are eligible and fall within the grant year. Use the scoring rubric to self-evaluate before submission.
