Regional Assistance Program

The Regional Assistance Program (RAP), administered by the Montana Department of Commerce through its Destination MT Division, is designed to strengthen regional nonprofit tourism organizations and Convention and Visitor Bureaus (CVBs) across Montana. Initiated under the direction of Senate Bill 540 and later refined by Senate Bill 409 in 2025, the program uses funds from the state’s Lodging Facility Use Tax (“bed tax”) to foster tourism development, increase visitor commerce, and stimulate local economies. This initiative supports efforts to build organizational capacity, promote under-visited areas, and enhance collaboration across Montana’s tourism infrastructure. RAP targets specific types of tourism organizations. Eligible applicants include TAC-recognized CVBs with annual budgets below $75,000 and Regional Nonprofit Tourism Corporations with annual budgets below $500,000, both as assessed by their most recent TAC-approved marketing plan. Additional eligibility requirements include entering into a two-year contract with the Department, submitting a final report with performance metrics tied to pre-defined Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and demonstrating measurable impact aligned with the Department’s strategic tourism goals. The program accepts applications on a biennial basis beginning no earlier than March in each two-year cycle. In interim years, a February cycle allows newly designated CVBs to apply if eligible. The most recent application window ran from February 5 to March 5, 2025, and the next cycle is anticipated in March 2026. Applications must be submitted through the online portal, which requires prior registration via the State’s secure Okta access system. Submission deadlines are enforced strictly, with the application portal closing at midnight Mountain Standard Time on the due date. Eligible projects must align with one or more of the Division’s strategic plans, marketing strategies, or resiliency plans, and must be ready to launch upon award. Proposals are evaluated based on criteria such as alignment with strategic initiatives, budget detail, work plan structure, performance metrics, and projected economic impact—particularly in rural and under-visited communities. Preference is given to applications demonstrating collaborative planning and readiness for immediate implementation, and up to 20% of the grant may be used for administrative costs related to personnel or contracted services. Award amounts are calculated based on the difference between the applicant’s current TAC-approved marketing budget and a set threshold: $75,000 for eligible CVBs and $500,000 for eligible Regional Nonprofit Tourism Corporations. For example, a CVB with a $45,000 budget may receive up to $30,000 annually. Funding is disbursed quarterly, and recipients must demonstrate that 85% of the prior quarter’s funds were spent—or are committed—before additional disbursements are made. Quarterly reports and a final performance report are required as part of the grant agreement. For more information, applicants are encouraged to consult the full RAP Program Guidelines or contact the Department at [email protected] or (406) 841-2870. The official guidelines and required templates, including the RAP Budget and Quarterly Report forms, are available at the Department’s website. The next application cycle is expected to open in March 2026.