MADISON, Wis. (October 29, 2021) – The Wisconsin Department of Tourism recently announced $190,700 awarded in Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) grants. JEM grants provide partnership funding to help nonprofit Wisconsin organizations promote tourism, including 501(c)(6) organizations such as Convention and Visitor Bureaus and Chambers of Commerce.

“I’m so proud of our work to support Wisconsin’s tourism industry and organizations after what’s been an especially challenging year,” said Gov. Tony Evers. “We directed more than $200 million in federal funds to Wisconsin’s tourism and hospitality industries and making direct investments has been an essential part of our state’s rebound from this pandemic. I look forward to continuing to support these critical industries as we work toward our economic recovery.”

With five rounds of grants throughout the year, the JEM grants are part of an ongoing program to ignite projects and grow economic impact.

“JEM grants are great investments in creativity and thoughtful plans that uplift Wisconsin communities,” said Secretary-designee Anne Sayers. “This recent JEM grant round is another example of tourism organizations across our state working hard to showcase what makes their area special with thoughtful and imaginative approaches.

Joint Effort Marketing Grant Recipients:

  • Discover Polk County Wisconsin, Polk County Tourism Council – $13,075
  • Fox Cities Rebranding, Fox Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau – $35,000
  • Oneida County Research Project: Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, Inclusion, Let’s Minocqua, Development – $39,550
  • Quad-County Trail Adventures, Oconto County Economic Development Corporation Inc. – $39,550
  • Sledding in Sawyer County: A Snowmobile Friendly Community, Hayward Lakes VCB – $11,225
  • Vilas County Demographic Traveler Research and Branding Project, Vilas County Tourism & Publicity –$39,550
  • Visit Marshfield Branding Campaign, Visit Marshfield – $12,750

A JEM grant is often a catalyst for communities, giving them the means to tap into the power of travel to make a solid impact on their economy and create jobs for its residents. Eligible expenses include but are not limited to email marketing, print and broadcast ads, direct mail, public relations and billboards. The next round of applications for JEM grants will be accepted through November 1, 2021. For information on the JEM program and application materials, visit industry.travelwisconsin.com.

In fiscal year 2021, the Department funded 45 JEM projects, awarding $1,180,000 million statewide. JEM grant funds are available to nonprofit organizations for the promotion of Wisconsin tourism events and destinations. The state can fund up to 75 percent of a project's first-year advertising and marketing costs and provide support for second- and third-year projects with decreasing amounts for funding until projects become self-sustaining. 

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