The Williams County Tourism Grant Program is a funding initiative designed to promote tourism within Williams County, North Dakota, by supporting events, advertising, and capital projects that attract visitors to the region. The program is administered by the Williams County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) and funded through the Williams County Visitor Promotion Fund. For 2025, a total of $80,000 is available, with $60,000 allocated for capital project grants and $20,000 for event and advertising grants.

Applications open on March 20, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. CT and close on May 1, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. CT. The review period runs from May 5 to May 16, 2025, with final award decisions made on May 20, 2025. Grants will be awarded to projects or events located outside the city limits of Williston but within Williams County. Each organization may submit one application, either for a capital project or for events and advertising, but not both. Capital grants may request up to $20,000 with a 20% matching requirement, while events and advertising grants may request up to $5,000, also with a 20% match.

Eligible capital project expenses include the purchase, installation, or improvement of infrastructure, equipment, or facilities directly related to tourism, with a preference for destination development. Events and advertising grants can be used for promotional activities, event hosting, signage, or marketing strategies designed to attract tourists. All funds must be used for tourism-related purposes and cannot be used for projects located within the Williston city limits. Funds are distributed on a reimbursable basis, though direct vendor payments may be approved depending on project specifics.

Eligible applicants include private nonprofit and for-profit organizations, political subdivisions, clubs, associations, and other public or governmental entities. All applicants must be registered and in good standing with the State of North Dakota if required by law, and they must be current on property taxes and in compliance with local zoning laws. Fiscal agents may be used when appropriate and must be identified in the application. Entities previously awarded grants may reapply but will receive lower priority.

All awarded applicants must submit an Impact Statement to evaluate the effect of their project or event on local tourism. Capital project recipients must submit two reports: one within 30 days of the final reimbursement date and another one year later. Events and advertising recipients must submit a report within 30 days of the event or campaign. Grant funds not requested for reimbursement by December 1, 2025, may be forfeited unless an extension is requested and approved.

Questions and requests for accommodations or alternate formats of the application should be directed to Lindsey Harriman, Community Engagement Coordinator, at grants@co.williams.nd.us or (701) 577-4547.