The Pilot Community Tourism Grant Program (PCTGP) is a Montana state-funded initiative aimed at bolstering local tourism sustainably, creating economic growth, and enhancing community resilience. Created under Senate Bill 540 by the 2023 Montana Legislature, the PCTGP seeks to diversify local economies by improving Montana communities’ appeal as visitor destinations without undermining their unique qualities. Through the program, communities can develop strategic visions for regional tourism, create tourism experiences that reflect local character, and invest in sustainable tourism infrastructure.

The current funding cycle for the PCTGP opens on November 1 and closes on December 31, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. To support applicants, a webinar recording is available to provide insights into the application process. Key documents required for submission include the S.M.A.R.T. Goals Form, a detailed budget, and a list of steering committee members, all of which must be uploaded within the Montana Grants and Loans Portal. Additionally, applicants can review application scoring criteria and funding schedules, and access a flowchart outlining community readiness indicators for tourism.

Eligible applicants are communities or groups of communities within Montana that have prioritized tourism as an economic development tool and are committed to long-term, collaborative engagement in tourism planning. Applicants must also demonstrate a commitment to sustained leadership and tourism participation over a five-year period. Resources for eligibility details are outlined in Section III of the program guidelines.

The PCTGP provides substantial resources for communities to build tourism infrastructure, including access to toolkits, sustainability frameworks, and tourism assessment guides. These resources support strategic development that is ecologically and culturally respectful while stimulating local economies. Examples include the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable’s toolkit for rural economic development, Main Street America resources for revitalizing local economies, and guidance documents on sustainable tourism and destination marketing.

Applicants can also access additional resources like the Montana Main Street Program, which supports community vitality while preserving historical character and promoting sustainable tourism. These resources, along with technical assistance from Tourism Grant Program staff, offer applicants a robust foundation for creating tourism initiatives that align with regional values and economic goals.