International Tourism Grant Program
Can you apply?
This grant is for certified local tourism and convention bureaus in Illinois. Applicants must be formally recognized by the state as legitimate tourism promotion organizations. The program supports international marketing to attract leisure travelers from outside the U.S.
Activities funded include brochures, advertising, website development, trade shows, sales missions, translation services, research, training, and staff salaries for international program work. Equipment purchases, general administration, and non-tourism salaries are not eligible.
The state will fund up to 50% of total project costs. Local organizations must match or leverage the remaining funds. Awards range from $10,000 to $200,000.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
This grant is for certified local tourism and convention bureaus in Illinois. Applicants must be formally recognized by the state as legitimate tourism promotion organizations. The program supports international marketing to attract leisure travelers from outside the U.S.
Activities funded include brochures, advertising, website development, trade shows, sales missions, translation services, research, training, and staff salaries for international program work. Equipment purchases, general administration, and non-tourism salaries are not eligible.
The state will fund up to 50% of total project costs. Local organizations must match or leverage the remaining funds. Awards range from $10,000 to $200,000.
Program description
A grant program for certified local tourism and convention bureaus to develop, coordinate and promote international tourism marketing efforts. The intent of the program is to promote Illinois as a travel destination to the international leisure traveler. The International tourism program is important to the State of Illinois’ tourism industry to match/leverage local funds with State funds to promote destination drivers, to market and promote attractions and events throughout the State to international travelers to ultimately impact the economic growth of the tourism industry. The Department shall provide Grant Funds not to exceed 50% of the Total Project Cost.
Expenditures and activities for which grant funds can be utilized by Grantees include, but are not limited to, brochures that target international markets, advertising, web site development and maintenance, in-country trade representations, familiarization tours, trade shows, sales missions, translation services, research, promotional items, technical assistance, training, association fees, travel expenses, and salaries for international program staff performing duties set forth in the Grant Agreement’s scope of work.
Ineligible Expenditures includes, but are not limited to, the purchase of equipment, administrative expenses, salaries not associated with international activities and the purchase of alcoholic beverages. Beneficiaries: Certified local tourism and convention bureaus Administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity via the Illinois GATA Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA 420-25-1607).
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Proof of bureau certification or recognition by Illinois
- Project narrative describing international marketing strategy
- Detailed budget and cost-share breakdown
- Letters of commitment from local match partners
- Evidence of existing tourism market relationships
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.
| 2019 | $1,000,000 | |
| 2020 | $1,100,000 | |
| 2024 | $1,000,000 | |
| 2025 | $1,000,000 | |
| 2026 | $1,000,000 | |
| 2027 | $1,000,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Certified local tourism and convention bureaus in Illinois. Your organization must be formally recognized by the state as a legitimate tourism promotion entity.
What activities can I fund with this grant?
International marketing efforts including brochures, advertising, website work, trade shows, sales missions, translation, research, training, and salaries for international program staff. Equipment and general administration are not eligible.
What is the cost-share requirement?
The state covers up to 50% of project costs. You must match or leverage the remaining 50% with local funds or in-kind resources.
What is the award range?
Awards typically range from $10,000 to $200,000, depending on project scope and available funding.
How competitive is this program?
Competition depends on the number of qualified bureaus applying and the total $1 million funding pool. Strong applications demonstrate clear international marketing strategy and realistic local match plans.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Clearly show how your bureau is certified or recognized by Illinois as a legitimate tourism organization. Documentation upfront prevents delays.
- Build a realistic budget showing exactly how the 50% match will be secured. Letters of commitment from partner organizations strengthen this section.
- Focus your narrative on attracting international leisure travelers to Illinois attractions. Generic tourism promotion won't stand out in a competitive pool.
- Include specific, measurable goals for international visitor increase or destination awareness. Vague objectives suggest weak planning.
- Highlight existing relationships with international travel media, tour operators, or trade show organizers. Demonstrated market connections increase credibility.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Many applications fail because they underestimate the cost-share requirement or propose vague local matching funds without documentation. Applications that lack clear focus on international leisure markets (not domestic or business travel) miss the program's core intent. Budgets that include ineligible items like equipment or non-tourism staff salaries get rejected immediately.
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