International Tourism Grant Program
🏛 Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
✓ Free, no account · Source: Illinois GATA Catalog (CSFA) · Last verified Oct 1, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for certified local tourism and convention bureaus in Illinois. Applicants must promote international tourism marketing efforts within the State. Activities include developing marketing materials, advertising, website development, trade shows, and promotional campaigns targeting international leisure travelers.
The program funds up to 50% of total project costs. Grantees must provide matching funds equal to at least 50% of the project budget. Eligible expenditures include brochures, advertising, websites, trade shows, travel, salaries for international program staff, and translation services.
Equipment purchases, general administrative expenses, and unrelated salaries are not eligible. Alcoholic beverage purchases are prohibited. Awards range from $10,000 to $200,000.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
Not the right fit? Find grants for your organization in 5 questions →
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).
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Application form (via Illinois GATA system)
- Project narrative and marketing strategy
- Detailed budget and cost-share documentation
- Proof of certified tourism bureau status
- Letters of support or commitment for matching funds
Program contact
- 👤 Aimme Moulton
- 📧 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?
Only certified local tourism and convention bureaus in Illinois are eligible. Your organization must be officially certified to apply.
What is the cost-sharing requirement?
The state will fund up to 50% of project costs. You must provide matching funds for the remaining 50% of the total project budget.
What activities are eligible?
Eligible uses include brochures, advertising, websites, trade shows, sales missions, translation services, research, travel, and salaries for international program staff. Equipment and general administrative expenses are not eligible.
What is the funding range?
Awards typically range from $10,000 to $200,000 depending on project scope and competitiveness.
When is the deadline?
The deadline is January 31, 2027. Check the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for any updates or rolling deadlines.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Clearly define your international target markets and how your marketing efforts will reach them. Show market research supporting your strategy.
- Detail your matching funds in advance. Specify the source and timing of your cost-share commitment to demonstrate feasibility.
- Link tourism marketing directly to economic impact. Explain how international visitor growth benefits local businesses and employment.
- Focus on destination-specific attractions and events. Avoid generic marketing claims; show what makes your destination unique for international travelers.
- Budget realistically for international activities like trade shows, travel, and translation services. Cost inflation for these items is common.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Underestimating the cost-share requirement or failing to document matching funds upfront. Proposing ineligible expenses like equipment or general administrative costs. Weak connection between marketing activities and measurable international visitor growth outcomes.
Similar grants
- OPEN Business Attraction Prime Sites — Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
- ROLLING Illinois Economic Empowerment Centers (EEC) Program — Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
- OPEN Strategic Economic Development Program — Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
- OPEN Marketing to Attract Tourists (MTAT) — Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development
- OPEN Illinois Grocery Initiative — Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity