Idaho Regional Travel and Convention Grant Program

The Idaho Regional Travel and Convention Grant Program is administered by the Idaho Department of Commerce - Tourism Development and was established in 1981. It is financed by a 2% lodging tax applied to hotel, motel, private campground, and vacation rental accommodation sales. This revenue is allocated with 10% directed to administrative operations, 45% to statewide travel promotion efforts, and the remaining 45% to fund grants within the respective region from which the tax was collected. The Idaho Travel Council (ITC) is responsible for the oversight of the program, including fund distribution and strategic direction. The primary aim of this grant program is to support non-profit, incorporated organizations with viable travel or convention marketing programs focused on increasing overnight visitation in Idaho. Eligible applicants must be regionally based, though organizations demonstrating representation of the entire state may qualify for multi-regional funding, with disbursements handled regionally. The program places a strong emphasis on proposals that enhance Idaho’s tourism assets and leverage cooperative marketing strategies. It also encourages initiatives that integrate media and collaborative efforts to broaden market reach and enhance the effectiveness of tourism promotion. Applicants are required to demonstrate that they possess a goal-driven marketing plan, operational and financial management capacity, and the ability to administer all grant requirements. Repeat applicants must maintain good standing, with previous grant performance and adherence to marketing agreements evaluated during the selection process. Preference is typically given to Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) that prioritize promoting overnight stays. Allowable expenditures under the grant include a wide range of tourism marketing activities such as advertising (across print, digital, radio, and television platforms), familiarization tours, sponsorships, event partnerships, public relations, market research, training, and trade show participation. Some capital outlay and administrative expenses may be eligible, subject to approval by the ITC. Conversely, entertainment, alcohol, honoraria, and grant writing costs are deemed ineligible. The grant period runs from August 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026, with all awarded funds required to be fully expended and closed out by the latter date. The application portal is open for submissions until 4:30 PM (MT) on March 30, 2026. Applicants must submit their applications through the Department's official online grant portal and are encouraged to present their proposals to the ITC Council for further consideration. While presentations are not mandatory, they significantly improve an applicant’s visibility and chance of selection. The ITC employs a comprehensive evaluation rubric that assigns 50% weight to the marketing plan, 30% to budget detail, and 20% to regional impact and support. Applicants must provide a 12.5% cash match for the grant funding. This match must be documented through actual financial transactions from the applicant or its partners, reflecting a strong commitment to the project and community engagement. All grantees awarded $100,000 or more must undergo a compliance audit, coordinated and funded by the Department. Audit selection may also occur randomly for awards below this threshold. Additional reporting and accountability requirements include quarterly narrative reports and capital outlay documentation where applicable.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to present their plan to the ITC Council. Strong financial management and ROI demonstration are important.