Hotel/Community Grant Program

The DuPage Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) administers the Hotel/Community Grant Program to strengthen tourism and stimulate economic activity in DuPage County, Illinois. This program supports the attraction of new meetings, conferences, and sports groups to member hotel properties, thereby increasing hotel tax collections and benefiting local businesses such as restaurants, transportation services, entertainment venues, and retailers. Funding is provided through matching financial grants from the CVB and participating municipalities. The grant funds are awarded only after the event concludes and contracted room nights have been fulfilled. Eligibility is determined by the CVB’s executive leadership and the local city or village manager upon submission of a formal application by a hotel in good standing. All DuPage County municipalities are eligible to participate, though those not financially supporting the CVB are subject to a $300 administrative fee per actualized lead. Eligible projects must involve new or previously unbooked meetings, conferences, or tournaments hosted at member properties. While priority is given to groups generating 150 or more room nights, smaller groups may also qualify depending on seasonality and community impact. The program applies to external leads received by the CVB or direct leads obtained by facilities or hotels. If a grant is awarded, the lead is designated as booked business by the CVB. Eligible market segments include corporate (excluding local businesses), state/regional/national associations, fraternal and hobby groups, nonprofits, religious groups, and sports events held within DuPage County. Social events, local corporate or sports groups are not eligible unless an exception is approved by the village manager. A maximum of $10,000 per group may be awarded per fiscal year. Additional funds, if available, must come entirely from the participating municipality. All funding is contingent on compliance with the Illinois Office of Tourism’s Local Tourism Convention Bureau (LTCB) guidelines, including logo use and branding requirements. Grant payments are issued post-event after all reporting, including room night verification and economic impact documentation, is submitted. Required documentation includes signed contracts, grant applications, financial details, and event reports. Applications must be submitted online through the DuPage CVB’s portal. Interested hotels and venues must complete the required form with event details, room block patterns, and key contact information. All documentation will be shared with the relevant municipalities for recordkeeping.

Submit quickly to remain competitive; eligibility depends on CVB status and municipal approval; match confirmation required