Promotion of Illinois Tourism

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) administers the Tourism Marketing Partnership Program, a competitive grant initiative designed to stimulate tourism activity within the state. This program is authorized under the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois and utilizes funds from the state’s Tourism Promotion Fund. The specific opportunity described in this notice applies to projects based within Cook County, complementing a parallel program for projects located outside Cook County. The program continues a longstanding effort to strengthen Illinois’ tourism economy, with funding last allocated in fiscal year 2024. The primary purpose of this program is to increase overnight stays in paid accommodations by leveraging local resources with state matching funds. Eligible projects focus on marketing and promotional activities for destinations, attractions, and events that draw visitors from outside the immediate area. Through such support, DCEO aims to bolster visitor traffic, increase tourism-related revenues such as sales and hotel taxes, and expand the visibility of Illinois as a travel destination. Performance metrics include increased visitation, advertising conversions, and revenue growth tied to tourism activity. Funding for this program is sourced from Public Act 104-003 and totals $750,000, with awards ranging from $10,000 to $100,000. The Department expects to make between 10 and 30 awards. Applicants must ensure total project costs equal or exceed $20,000, with no more than 50 percent of costs covered by state funding. A strict 1:1 matching requirement applies, meaning applicants must contribute at least 50 percent of project costs from eligible non-state sources. In-kind contributions cannot be used toward match requirements. Pre-award costs are allowable if incurred after July 1, 2025, and the performance period extends through June 30, 2026. Allowable activities include a wide range of promotional efforts such as the design and distribution of travel brochures, development of tourism-focused websites, billboard advertising, participation in trade shows, and visitor outreach through campaigns, mail promotions, and maps. Ineligible costs include administrative expenses, quick-print flyers, equipment purchases, event production, travel expenses, and projects that primarily promote for-profit entities. All funded projects must clearly demonstrate how they increase visitation and tourism spending in Illinois. Eligible applicants include counties, municipalities, nonprofit organizations, and local promotion groups located within Cook County. Applicants must be registered in the Illinois GATA Grantee Portal and meet federal and state compliance requirements including UEI and SAM.gov registration, good standing with the Illinois Secretary of State, and clearance from state and federal exclusion lists. Only one application per entity is permitted for this opportunity. All applications must include the Uniform Grant Application, Uniform Budget, Conflict of Interest Disclosure, Mandatory Disclosure, and a program-specific application. Applications must be submitted electronically via Smartsheet between October 3, 2025, and November 3, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. A technical assistance session will be offered on October 9, 2025, though attendance is not mandatory. Proposals will be competitively reviewed and scored out of 100 points, based on need, capacity, and quality. Key evaluation factors include the degree to which projects demonstrate research-based marketing plans, support viable tourism attractions, track results effectively, and generate measurable impacts on local and statewide tourism. Applicants must score at least 60 points to be eligible for funding. Awards will be made in rank order until funds are exhausted, with successful applicants notified through a Notice of State Award. Grant recipients will be required to comply with administrative and financial reporting requirements, including quarterly performance and financial reports, as well as final closeout reports within 45 days of the end of the performance period. They will also be subject to monitoring, audits, and compliance with the Illinois Grant Accountability and Transparency Act. Questions about the opportunity may be directed to Program Manager Greg Mihalich at ceo.tourismgrants@illinois.gov or via phone at 217-299-1323. Additional assistance is available through the Illinois DCEO Grant Help Desk at CEO.GrantHelp@illinois.gov.