Tourism Private Sector Grant Program

The Tourism Private Sector Grant Program is administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) to support new or significantly enhanced tourism events and festivals in Illinois. This state-funded program provides financial support for eligible private sector-led efforts that promote regional economic development through tourism-related activities, particularly those that attract out-of-state and long-distance visitors. Grants may be awarded to Illinois-based for-profit businesses, not-for-profit organizations, counties, municipalities, and local promotion groups. All applicants must be registered in the GATA Grantee Portal, have a current SAM.gov registration with a public listing, a valid UEI number, and be in good standing with the Illinois Secretary of State. Disregarded entities for IRS purposes are ineligible to receive grant funds. Each applicant may submit only one application per cycle. Funding must be matched dollar-for-dollar with non-governmental funds. Up to 25% of the required match may be fulfilled through in-kind private sector contributions, such as donated hotel services or transportation. Matching funds cannot come from government sources or be used to match other grant programs. The total available funding is $600,000, with individual awards ranging from $10,000 to $50,000. Grant funds may be used for advertising, transportation, housing, registration, entertainment, temporary staffing, marketing, and related eligible costs. Capital improvements and equipment purchases are ineligible. The program’s purpose is to support tourism-generating events with regional or national draw, such as conventions, trade shows, sporting events, and festivals. Applicants must demonstrate that events will attract attendees from more than 50 miles away and that events secured funding due to competition with other states or that the enhancements proposed will increase out-of-town attendance. The program prohibits funding transfers of events between Illinois communities and requires detailed documentation when applying to enhance or repeat an existing event. Applications are scored based on need, capacity, and quality using a 100-point scale. Key scoring elements include economic impact, increased visitation, media coverage, tax revenue potential, and alignment with state tourism goals. At least 60 points are required for funding eligibility. Geographic distribution is also considered in the award process. Pre-award costs incurred after July 1, 2025, are eligible for reimbursement. The application window opened on October 3, 2025, and closes on November 3, 2025, at 5:00 PM. A technical assistance webinar is offered on October 8, 2025, but is not mandatory. Applications must be submitted online via Smartsheet and include a Uniform Application, Uniform Budget, Conflict of Interest Disclosure, Mandatory Disclosure, and a Program Application form. For more information, applicants may contact Program Manager Greg Mihalich at ceo.tourismgrants@illinois.gov or 217-299-1323.

Demonstrate out-of-town visitor draw; emphasize competitive justification; document private match clearly