The Tourist Information Center (TIC) Grant Program, administered by the Wisconsin Department of Tourism, supports nonprofit tourism organizations, municipalities, and Native American tribes in covering operating expenses for regional tourist information centers. The program reimburses up to 50% of eligible expenses, with a maximum grant of $15,000 per organization annually. It aims to enhance traveler services and drive economic impact by promoting local and state tourism.

To qualify, centers must offer the Official Wisconsin Travel Guide and printed publications from destinations across the state, as well as information about cultural, recreational, and tourism businesses. Centers must also be in key locations, have trained staff, and maintain visitor tracking records. Eligible expenses include staffing costs, wayfinding signage, and standard display equipment like racks or shelving. Ineligible expenses include office overhead, advertising, printing, promotional items, public relations efforts, and matching funds for Joint Effort Marketing projects.

Expenses must align with the specified application periods. For January 1 applications, expenses must have been incurred between July 1 and December 31 of the previous year. For July 1 applications, expenses must have been incurred between January 1 and June 30 of the same year. Applications must be submitted online by 11:59 PM on the respective deadlines.

Applicants are encouraged to consult with Tourism Development Specialists or the Grant Manager for guidance throughout the application process. This support can help improve the quality of submissions and maximize the grant’s potential benefits. For assistance, applicants can contact Heidi Schultz, Grant and Database Manager, at (608) 261-6272 or via email.

For more information on program requirements and to access the application system, applicants should review the TIC Grant Guidelines and Administrative Code. This program seeks to empower tourism centers to provide high-quality services that attract visitors and strengthen Wisconsin’s tourism economy.