The Tourism Private Sector Grant Program, administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), provides grants ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 to Illinois entities for developing or enhancing festivals and events that attract visitors from outside a 50-mile radius. With a total funding pool of $600,000, this program aims to increase economic impact through tourism by supporting advertising, transportation, programming, and other eligible expenses. Applications must be submitted by December 20, 2024, at 5:00 PM CST.

Eligible applicants include Illinois for-profits, nonprofits, counties, municipalities, and local promotion groups. Applicants must provide a dollar-for-dollar match, with up to 25% of the match fulfilled through in-kind contributions. Funding is not available for normal operating expenses, equipment purchases, or events moved from other Illinois communities.

Applications are evaluated on need, capacity, and quality, with scoring criteria including increased visitor attendance, media exposure, and local economic benefits. Successful applicants must comply with quarterly reporting, performance monitoring, and audit requirements. For assistance, contact Greg Mihalich at ceo.tourismgrants@illinois.gov or visit the DCEO website for full guidelines and application materials.