Virginia DMO Marketing Grants

The Virginia DMO Marketing Grants program, offered by the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC), is a strategic funding initiative designed exclusively for officially designated Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) within the Commonwealth of Virginia. As part of the state’s broader tourism development agenda, this grant program supports DMOs in implementing marketing activities that generate measurable economic benefits by increasing visitation to Virginia. VTC serves as the official state tourism agency, with a mission to promote Virginia as a premier travel destination. By allocating funds through this targeted grant, VTC aims to amplify the impact of DMO-led tourism marketing strategies that align with the state’s tourism goals. The program supports a wide range of marketing expenses, provided the proposed campaigns are designed to drive visitation to Virginia and demonstrate a positive and significant impact on local and regional tourism economies. All proposed marketing plans must be research-based and clearly articulate the expected outcomes, such as increased hotel occupancy, attraction attendance, or visitor spending. The initiative underscores the importance of strategic marketing in enhancing the visibility of Virginia's travel destinations and attractions in competitive regional and national markets. Eligibility for the Virginia DMO Marketing Grants is restricted to officially recognized Virginia DMOs listed on the VTC’s DMO directory. Applicants must demonstrate their capacity to execute effective marketing campaigns and are required to choose between applying to this program or the VTC Marketing Leverage Program, not both. This policy ensures that funding is distributed equitably and that overlapping funding streams do not occur. A minimum 50% match—cash or in-kind—is required, reinforcing the program’s leverage principle and ensuring that applicants have committed resources toward their proposed initiatives. The application process is managed through an online portal, with the 2026 application window opening on February 10 and closing on March 19. All submissions must be completed within this time frame. Key application components include a detailed marketing plan, evidence of economic impact, and supporting documentation such as budgets and letters of support. The review process evaluates proposals based on strategic alignment with tourism goals, expected ROI, and the robustness of the marketing approach. The maximum grant award is $15,000. Award recipients are reimbursed post-expenditure, meaning successful applicants must front the costs and submit documentation for reimbursement. VTC’s grants team provides support and guidance during the application period, and inquiries can be directed to [email protected]. This program does not operate on a rolling basis but is recurring annually. DMOs must reapply each year during the posted cycle to access funding. By supporting DMO marketing campaigns, the Virginia DMO Marketing Grants program contributes to the state’s goal of strengthening tourism as a key economic driver and promoting the diverse experiences Virginia has to offer.

Proposals should be detailed, supported by data, and clearly explain the economic impact and marketing approach. Avoid assumptions about the reviewers’ familiarity with your destination. Utilize VTC’s research portal for justification.