Do you have a big idea that will help travelers discover the unexpected in Wisconsin and you just need financial assistance and expert guidance to make your dream come to life? Your wish is granted. See which of the four grant programs below might be a fit for you.
Did You Know: In addition to helping you stretch your budget, Wisconsin Tourism grants drive millions of dollars in tourism spending? See all of the Tourism grant recipients in the fiscal year grant awards report.
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Grants and CARES - Coronavirus Relief Funds
Since 2020, Gov. Evers has invested more than $200 million in recovery funds in the travel and tourism, hotels and lodging and entertainment industries. Wisconsin is the top state in the country for aid directed to overall economic development and the top state in the country in aid directed to assist businesses.
$69.9 million in 2020
$17 million for live music and entertainment venues
$20 million for lodging and hotels
$10 million for movie theaters
$11.9 million for Wisconsin Tourism Relief to Accelerate Vitality and Economic Lift (TRAVEL) grants
$10 million for cultural organizations
$152.55 million in 2021
$10 million for local tourism investment projects
$75 million for lodging grants
$11.25 million for movie theaters
$12 million for live event small businesses
$2.8 million for minor league sports teams
$10 million for live venues
$15 million for destination marketing organizations
$8 million for summer camps
$1 million for the Wisconsin Historical Society to assist in reopening historical sites
$7.5 million to increase marketing support for Wisconsin's tourism industry
$21.9 million in tourism capital investment (2022)
The Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) Grant Program offers funding to make a promotion or event come to fruition. The grant reimburses Wisconsin non-profit organizations for qualified promotional costs. There are five unique categories of the JEM grant to fit an organization’s needs. Deadlines: February 1 (Event JEMs only), April 1 (Destination Marketing and Event JEMs), August 1 (Event JEMs Only), September 1 (Destination Marketing only) and November 1 (Event JEMs Only).
The Tourist Information Center (TIC) Grant Program is open to nonprofit tourism organizations, municipalities or Native American tribes who operate a regional tourist information center. Deadlines: January 1 and July 1.
The Ready, Set, Go! (RSG) Grant Program assists destinations in securing competitive sporting events that require an upfront cash or financial commitment. Deadlines: January 1, April 1 and September 1.
The Meetings Mean Business (MMB) Grant Program helps potential Wisconsin destinations by providing financial assistance for facility costs or host destination expenses as they bid for regional and national meetings or conventions. Deadlines: January 1, April 1 and September 1.
New to the system and need help setting up your organizational account? Questions about the application process? No problem. Just contact our Grants Coordinator for help.
