Regional Assistance Program

The Montana Regional Assistance Program (RAP), administered by the Montana Department of Commerce’s Destination MT Division, was launched in 2023 in response to Senate Bill 540 and updated through Senate Bill 409 in 2025. These legislative actions revised the allocation of revenue from the state’s 4% Lodging Facility Use Tax, commonly referred to as the “bed tax.” This legislative restructuring empowered the Department to allocate funds specifically to enhance tourism promotion, expand capacity within local tourism networks, and foster collaborative efforts across regional tourism bodies. The RAP is designed as a capacity-building initiative for Regional Nonprofit Tourism Corporations (Regions) and Convention and Visitor Bureaus (CVBs), especially those representing rural and under-visited areas. The purpose of the RAP is to support the development and promotion of Montana’s tourism assets through collaborative, strategic initiatives that increase visitor engagement and benefit local economies. The program targets efforts that align with the Destination MT Division’s strategic goals and statewide resiliency planning. RAP-funded projects may include tourism asset development, destination marketing, and strategic planning initiatives that demonstrate measurable economic and community impacts. Funded projects must also adhere to specific reporting requirements, including performance tracking through key performance indicators (KPIs), quarterly updates, and a final report at the end of the grant cycle. RAP applications are accepted through the Montana Grants and Loans Portal during a defined application window, which, for the next cycle, opens on March 15, 2026, and closes on April 15, 2026, at midnight MST. Applicants must use the online portal to complete their submissions and upload required documents, such as the RAP Budget Template. While there is no pre-application stage such as a letter of intent, all application materials must be finalized and submitted by the posted deadline. The application undergoes a completeness review followed by a detailed evaluation by a review committee, which applies scoring criteria based on alignment with strategic plans, anticipated performance based on KPIs, budget clarity, work plan robustness, and timeline feasibility. Eligible applicants include TAC-recognized CVBs with annual budgets below $75,000 and Regional Nonprofit Tourism Corporations with budgets under $500,000, both assessed via their most recent TAC-approved marketing plans. Projects must be ready for immediate implementation and demonstrate the ability to deliver all required activities and outcomes within the 24-month funding period. Interim grants for newly designated CVBs are limited to a one-year contract. Funding amounts are calculated based on the difference between an organization’s existing budget and a set cap—$75,000 for CVBs and $500,000 for Regions. For example, a Region with a $100,000 marketing plan budget would be eligible for up to $400,000 annually over a two-year term. All funds are disbursed quarterly, contingent upon expenditure reporting showing that at least 85% of the prior quarter’s funds have been expended or are committed. Evaluation of proposals is conducted using a structured rubric, giving preference to projects with demonstrable readiness, measurable economic impact, and strong alignment with statewide strategic initiatives. Up to 20% of awarded funds may be used for administrative costs. Additionally, special consideration is given to collaborative applications between a CVB and a Region, provided the intent to collaborate is clearly outlined in both proposals. Applicants are encouraged to refer to the Division’s strategic documents and planning tools, including the Resiliency Plan and Destination MT’s Strategic Plan, to ensure alignment and strengthen their case for funding. For further information, applicants can contact the Destination MT Division at [email protected] or call 406-841-2870. Additional resources, including application templates and planning documents, are available on the Montana Department of Commerce’s website. The RAP operates on a biennial cycle with applications opening in March of every even-numbered year, and an interim cycle in February of odd-numbered years for newly eligible CVBs. Contracts from the primary cycle span two years, while interim contracts cover one year, aligning with the next primary cycle to ensure continuity of program execution.

Align proposals directly with Division strategic plans and regional resiliency plans for higher scoring.