MADISON, Wis. (September 9, 2021) – The Wisconsin Department of Tourism recently announced $51,183 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.

“After an especially tough year, I’m proud of our work to help Wisconsin’s tourism industry bounce back, and we’re going to keep doing everything we can to see this recovery through,” said Gov. Evers. “These marketing grants build on our $150 million investment to support our tourism and entertainment industries and will help amplify unique events across our state, showing off the incredible experiences Wisconsin communities have to offer.”

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

“The Department of Tourism is proud to partner with local entities to make their great ideas a reality,” said Secretary-designee Anne Sayers. “Tourism investment means community investment. From biking events to wedding destinations, these JEM grant recipients are bringing in dollars by marketing the beauty of Wisconsin and the unique experiences happening here.” 

Joint Effort Marketing Grant Recipients:

  • Destination Weddings in Oshkosh – Sales Promotion, Oshkosh Convention & Visitors Bureau – award $20,000
  • Fat Bike World Championships, New Event, BRF – Apex Cycling Inc – award $10,150
  • Rib Mountain Adventure Challenge, Existing Event, Ironbull – award $4,395
  • Winter Wonders 2021: Boerner Bigger and Brighter – New Event, Friends of Wehr Nature Center, Inc. – award $16,638

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. 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.