Route 66 Grant Program
Can you apply?
This grant is for certified convention and visitors' bureaus in Illinois. Organizations must be officially certified by the state to manage tourism promotion and development. The grant supports initiatives that enhance Route 66 through tourism development, educational programs, preservation efforts, and promotion of the highway's 100th anniversary. Activities include heritage tourism projects, educational content creation, preservation of historic Route 66 sites and resources, and marketing campaigns that celebrate the corridor's cultural significance.
Geographic scope is limited to Illinois, with focus on Route 66 communities along the historic highway corridor within the state.
Program description
Providing grants to certified convention and visitors’ bureaus for development of tourism, education, preservation and promotion of the 100th anniversary of Route 66. Enhancing the exposure of Route 66 through development of tourism, education, preservation and promotion of the 100th anniversary of Route 66 Development of tourism, education, preservation and promotion of Route 66 Beneficiaries: N/A Administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity via the Illinois GATA Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA 420-25-2758).
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Illinois GATA application form
- Project narrative and tourism development plan
- Budget and budget narrative
- Evidence of CVB certification
- Letters of support from local stakeholders
Program contact
- 👤 Dana Huston
- 📧 ceo.tourismgrants@illinois.gov
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Illinois state appropriations. How funding has trended year over year.
| 2022 | $4,000,000 | |
| 2023 | $3,703,827 | |
| 2024 | $3,347,663 | |
| 2025 | $4,000,000 | |
| 2026 | $4,000,000 | |
| 2027 | $2,000,000 |
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for the Route 66 Grant Program?
Only certified convention and visitors' bureaus in Illinois may apply. Your organization must have official state certification to manage tourism and visitor services.
What activities does this grant support?
The grant funds tourism development, educational programming, historic preservation, and promotional activities focused on Route 66's 100th anniversary and cultural heritage.
When is the deadline and how often does this grant open?
The deadline is June 11, 2026. Specific information about rolling or annual cycles is not currently available.
What is the typical grant award amount?
Awards range from $20,000 to $500,000, depending on project scope and competitiveness of applications.
Is cost-sharing required?
No, cost-sharing or matching funds are not required for this grant program.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Target your application to tourism and visitor attractions along the Route 66 corridor. Strong geographic connection to the highway strengthens competitiveness.
- Document how your project will attract visitors and generate economic activity. Tourism development requires clear visitor engagement strategies.
- Include preservation elements if possible. Projects combining historic preservation with tourism tend to receive stronger review.
- Highlight educational and promotional components separately. Reviewers want to see multi-faceted approaches to celebrating Route 66.
- Research Illinois GATA submission requirements early. State-administered grants require specific state forms and processes.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applying without certified CVB status is the primary disqualifier. Vague tourism goals without specific visitor metrics or projections reduce competitiveness. Weak preservation components when competing for heritage-focused funding lower your score.
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