Illinois has $2.4M available for tourism grants
State officials recently announced $2.4 million is available in tourism grant funding through two new programs.
Eligible entities can apply for grants from the Tourism Attraction Grant Program ($1.8 million) and the Tourism Private Sector Grant Program ($600,000), according to a news release.
Grant funding can be used to develop and improve new and existing tourism attractions and support and attract events and festivals. Grantees will be selected through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity process.
“From Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods to historic Route 66 communities and the natural beauty of Southern Illinois, every corner of our state has something special to offer,” Gov. JB Pritzker said in the news release. “Our tourism attractions and local festivals bring people together and drive business to our Main Streets. This latest round of funding will help communities grow those destinations and events, welcome more visitors, and support local jobs.”
Illinois’ tourism industry draws millions of visitors who spend billions of dollars annually across the state, boosting economic development and supporting jobs.
Illinois reached its highest-ever hotel revenue figures in fiscal year 2026 with $372 million — a $5 million increase over the previous record set in fiscal year 2025. The state welcomed 115 million visitors who spent $50.2 billion in 2025 — surpassing the $50 billion mark for the first time in Illinois history, according to the release.
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is committed to helping the destination economy flourish, said Director Kristin Richards.
“Through our award-winning Enjoy Illinois campaign and programs like those we are announcing today, the state is investing in continued growth of tourism across Illinois,” she said. “Whether entities are seeking to develop new or existing tourism attractions, or supporting events and festivals, the State of Illinois is offering funding opportunities that will boost economic development while supporting our world-class tourism industry.”
Tourism attraction
The $1.8 million allocated through the Tourism Attraction Grant Program will provide funding for the development or improvement of tourism attractions, such as museums, recreation areas, amusement parks, and more. The program’s goal is to provide assistance for projects that increase the economic impact of tourism throughout Illinois by increasing visitation rates, boosting hotel occupancy, increasing local hotel and sales tax revenue, and more. Eligible applicants include counties, municipalities, not-for-profit organizations, local promotion groups, for-profit entities, and units of local government.
Eligible entities can apply for Tourism Attraction grants between $15,000 to $200,000, with a one-to-one match requirement for nonprofits and a three-to-one match requirement for for-profit entities. Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Nov. 13. To apply for the grant, visit the DCEO website.
Private sector tourism
DCEO is allocating $600,000 through the Tourism Private Sector Grant Program, which provides funding to entities to attract, host and develop new or enhanced events and festivals across Illinois. The grant is open to nonprofits, government entities, for-profit institutions, and local promotional groups, and as defined in state statute. Grant funds can be used for a variety of purposes that support new, expanded, or enhanced events and festivals including advertising and marketing, transportation, building or equipment rental, receptions and banquets, registration, entertainment, and more.
Eligible entities can apply for Tourism Private Sector grants between $10,000 to $50,000, with a one-to-one match requirement. Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. Nov. 13. To apply for the grant, visit the DCEO website.
“The state’s $2.4 million investments in these tourism grant programs will build upon the success of our tourism industry while creating economic opportunities for Illinoisans,” said state Sen. Cristina Castro of Elgin.
Illinois’ tourism sector also has received a boost from the Illinois Office of Tourism’s “Middle of Everything” campaign. Since it launched in 2022, the campaign has contributed to an additional 2.4 million trips equaling more than an additional $1 billion spent in Illinois hotels, restaurants, small businesses, and attractions, according to data from Longwoods International.