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For Distribution Feb 3, 2020

MEDIA CONTACT: MARLA CICHOWSKI [email protected] 312-324-3510

Illinois Office of Tourism Announces $1.9M for Tourism Grant Recipients

CHICAGO - The Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO), Office of Tourism, is pleased to announce $1.9 million in grant funding for two tourism grant programs designed to increase tourism across the state. Illinois welcomed a record 117 million visitors from around the world in 2018, resulting in $42 billion in visitor spending and generating $3.3 billion in tax revenue for the state and local communities.  The DCEO Office of Tourism’s grant programs are funded entirely by the state’s hotel motel tax revenue.  

“There’s a reason that Illinois is breaking records for tourism; it’s because communities throughout our state have so much to offer,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “I’ll continue to be a proud advocate for everything that attracts people to Illinois and these tourism grants – entirely funded by visitors staying in our hotels and motels – play a significant role in supporting the tourism industry and its nearly 350,000 jobs.”

“Developing new events and attractions is necessary to inspire new audiences to visit Illinois.  These grants will result in increased visitor spending in local communities across our state, generating revenue and creating jobs for Illinois residents,” said Erin Guthrie, Acting Director of DCEO. 

The Tourism Attraction Grant Program will help develop new or enhance existing tourism attractions to grow visitation and overnight stays in Illinois.  DCEO provided grant funding to 16 organizations in the amount of $1 million.  There was significant demand for this grant program, receiving more than four times the number of requests than available funding.

The Tourism Private Sector Grant Program will help attract major new events to the state or significantly enhance existing events to increase visitation.  DCEO provided grant funding to seven applicants in the amount of $869,000.

Below is a list of grant recipients from the two grant programs.

Tourism Attraction Grant Program Recipients

College of DuPage Foundation: $100,000

The Cleve Carney Museum of Art in Glen Ellyn will enhance its venue as a cultural and tourism destination.  Enhancements include upgraded security system, lighting, displays, outdoor dining tables, and gallery fabrication features.

Holocaust Memorial Foundation of Illinois, Inc.: $45,607.50

Supporting "Notorious RBG:  The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg" Special Exhibition - the Midwest Premiere of this vibrant, comprehensive exploration of Justice Ginsburg's life using a dynamic array of gallery interactives, listening stations, archival photographs and documents, historical artifacts, and contemporary art.  Based on the book and Tumblr page of the same name, Notorious RBG is the first ever museum exhibition focused solely on the judicial icon.

Chicago Zoological Society (Brookfield): $125,000

This grant will support a free seasonal dinosaur exhibit scheduled from May - September 2020 featuring 44 giant animatronic dinosaurs, including the Argentinosaurus, the largest dinosaur ever discovered.  The Argentinosaurus model will be created especially for this exhibit and will be shown for the first time anywhere.

Chicago Architecture Foundation: $74,350

The Chicago Architecture Center's will enhance its lobby to attract and drive more tourism in Chicago.  The project will transform the Chicago Architecture Center lobby to reflect an essential piece of its mission: to be a guide to the city of Chicago. Redesigned signage and wayfinding will be included to more clearly direct visitors to the exhibits inside the Center – and to the many unique cultural experiences and architectural treasures outside the center and out in neighborhoods throughout the city. 

Hoogland Center for the Arts, Inc. (Springfield):  $103,000

The grant will be used to support the Center’s current HVAC project to replace a failing system that causes the building to be too hot in the summer months and allow more use of the facility to increase visitation.

John R. and Eleanor R. Mitchell Foundation/Cedarhurst Center for the Arts (Mt. Vernon): $26,262.50

Cedarhurst Center for the Arts (operated by the John R. and Eleanor R. Mitchell Foundation) will utilize the grant funds to help pay for the design and fabrication of Interpretive and Wayfinding Signage (exhibition kiosks, individual trail markers, and pole banners) that will enhance the visitor experience at Cedarhurst, and especially in the museum’s outdoor sculpture park.

Friends of Wildlife Prairie Park (Peoria): $179,688

Funds will be used for construction of unique cabin lodging.  Often referred to as the “Jewel of the Midwest”, Wildlife Prairie Park is an 1,800-acre nature park located in central Illinois that contains over 150 animals of 50 different species. The park is creating a group of cabins overlooking the bison and elk pasture.  The cabins will provide lodging for those who might come from a distance to visit the park or those who live close but might enjoy more than just a one-day visit.  Also, the cabins, in combination with other promotional methods, can offer an opportunity for gatherings such as family reunions, weddings (many are currently held in the park), corporate and organizational workshops and retreats.

Discovery Center Museum of Rockford, Inc.: $25,516.50

Grant funds will be used to expand the play area in the Outdoor Science Park and purchase three new pieces of equipment.  The Outdoor Science Park is a popular seasonal tourist destination as it is the only science-based playground in the state.

Frank Lloyd Wright Trust: $30,527

Frederick H. Robie House will enhance programming in connection with its 2019 inscription to the UNESCO World Heritage List, including: updating Robie House Past and Present audio tour in 8 languages and adding 4 additional languages; creation of an interpretive station in the Servants' Quarters; and completing the restoration of the Servants' Quarters through the refinishing of wood floors and reproduction of missing original light fixtures.

Timber Lake Playhouse (Carroll County):  $61,757.79

To continue operating as a fully functioning year-round theatre, Timber Lake Playhouse will utilize the grant to complete the next phase of winterization (completion of the lobby enclosure to include the bathrooms, enclose the rehearsal area to be used for year-round rehearsal). Founded in 1961, Timber Lake Playhouse is the oldest continuously operating professional and resident summer stock theatre company in Illinois. 

DuPage Convention and Visitors Bureau: $28,772

Grant funds will complete the required funding needed and expedite the development of “Phase II” of the Windy City Curling Center. Funding will be used to purchase curling stones and handles, furniture for seating and viewing area, pool table and shuffleboard table for seating and viewing area; and, signage for the front and rear of the building.

Western Illinois Tourism Development, Inc.: $13,347.50

Upgrade kiosks and signage along Illinois’ Great River Road National Scenic Byway.  Nine kiosks will be refurbished and 20 story boards replaced in/near Great River Road communities.

Canal Corridor Association: $60,000

Upgrades for the I & M Canal Bike Share Expansion and Audio Storytelling at 20 interpretive sites.  Twenty locations within the Illinois & Michigan Canal National Heritage Area (IMCNHA) will be chosen to add audio stories to existing sign panels. 

City of Litchfield: $100,000

Costs associated with Lake Lou Yaeger Recreational Area renovations.   Lake Lou Yaeger Recreational Area is an active part in the City of Litchfield’s economy.  It is a popular travel destination for both outdoor recreationalists and Route 66 Travelers.  Constructed between the years of 1964 and 1966; amenities need updated.  Grant funds will be used to update the Milnot Beach House, including ADA compliant restrooms; and, equipment to enhance, maintain, and sustain the grounds, both in the water and on the shore.

Children’s Museum of Oak Park Inc. (Wonder Works Children’s Museum): $17,200

Wonder Works Children’s Museum is a tourism attraction and community changer in Oak Park, Illinois.  The museum’s mission is to spark curiosity and creativity for all young children through positive, play-based learning experiences.   With humble beginnings as a traveling museum, Wonder Works Children’s Museum found a permanent home in 2003 and has been changing lives through creative play ever since.  The museum is in need of significant repairs.  Grant funds will be used to replace the boiler as this is most critical component needed to continue operations.

National Museum of Gospel Music (Chicago):  $39,859.81

Grant funds will be used to construct a temporary preview gallery that will become a mobile exhibition once the permanent facility is completed.  It will provide a glimpse into the museum’s future and provide a physical location that visitors can visit year-round.  The museum will integrate technology and foster connections to the historical impact of Gospel music.

Tourism Private Sector Grant Recipients

College of DuPage Foundation: $292,571.89

Supporting the upcoming Frida Kahlo art exhibition, opening in June, including costs for the rental of the artwork, visitor transportation between local Metra stations and the museum, the hiring of additional security and art handlers, and audio guide technology. 

Rockford Convention & Visitors Bureau Charitable Foundation: $27,797.50

Hosting the 2019 International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) North American Olympic Table Tennis Trials.

Illinois South Tourism: $150,000

To promote advertising for the NASCAR K & N Pro and IndyCar Series doubleheader at World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway Motorsports; and celebrating connections to Illinois Route 66 by hosting a classic, nostalgia event:  Mother Road Rendezvous.

Flower Show Productions, Inc.: $123,500

Enhancement of the Chicago Flower & Garden Show, "20/20 Focus on Flowers".  This event will bring together newly crafted small-space design lifestyle living-space exhibits, interiorscapes, urban agricultural, rooftop gardening and special project gardens built to surround more than 100 educational classes and hands-on workshops.  These additions will help draw a new audience of visitors/consumers to the show and provide for overnight trips from enthusiasts and newbies alike.

Illinois Agricultural Resource Council, Inc.: $100,000

New Illinois Agriculture Music Festival:  The Illinois Agri-Women will host and showcase current Women in Agriculture Entrepreneurs from across the State of Illinois at the Nelson Park in Decatur, Illinois.  Guests and consumers will have an opportunity to learn more about small agricultural businesses owned by women and purchase their wares as they enjoy the music provided in the beautiful Devon G. Buffett Lakeside Amphitheater.  The grant funds will be used to supplement ticket sales to cover the cost of entertainment, speakers, and marketing outside the immediate Decatur area for the two-day event.

Arena Partners, LLC: $128,279

Enhancement of the New Year's Eve 2020 Fireworks Celebration in downtown Chicago.  The “New Year’s Eve 2020 Fireworks Celebration” is a comprehensive promotion and event program aimed at driving increased attendance and revenues for restaurant and hospitality venues in Chicago.  At the heart of the program is a mile-long, synchronized public fireworks display along the iconic Chicago River.

National Trust for Historic Preservation in the U.S.: $47,500

The Farnsworth House will use the grant to implement expanded programming to enable its participation in the Bauhaus100 Centennial in addition to implementing "Edith Farnsworth Revisited" - a new installation, exhibition, and related events that celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Edith Farnsworth.  These new programs and public events will appeal to a wide audience and bring more visitors to the Yorkville region.

For more information on the areas and events around Illinois visit www.enjoyillinois.com .

In 2018, Illinois Office of Tourism welcomed a record 117 million visitors from around the world, resulting in nearly $42 billion in visitor spending and generating $3.3 billion in state and local tax revenue. The Illinois travel and tourism industry supported 342,500 jobs in 2018, an increase of 5,200 jobs from 2017. The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Office of Tourism manages industry efforts that result in sustainable and significant economic and quality-of-life benefits for Illinois residents. 

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Gov. Pritzker Announces Nearly $3 Million in Funding to Support Local Tourism Promotion Across the State

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SPRINGFIELD – Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced on October 27th, nearly $3 million in funding to support local tourism promotional efforts across the state through the Illinois Travel and Tourism Grant Program. “As we continue to recover from the economic impacts of COVID-19, my administration is laser-focused on rebuilding our state’s tourism industry,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Today, I am proud to announce that DCEO is launching nearly $3 million in funding for local governments, municipalities, nonprofits, and more to attract visitors from around the nation—and the globe—to our great state. We are the Land of Lincoln, the home state of Obama, and the heart of the Midwest—all while touting the kindest people you’ll ever meet and, yes, the best pizza you’ll ever try.” The Illinois Travel and Tourism Grant Program provides funding for promotional efforts by local governments, and municipalities, non-profits and local promotional groups such as Illinois’ Certified Convention and Visitor Bureaus (CVBs), with the goal of attracting visitors to destinations, attractions, and events throughout Illinois. This program is funded by a federal Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant. “With hidden gems, world-famous attractions and natural wonders in every corner of our great state, tourism is a critical part of the Illinois economy, and this new program will help draw more visitors to explore all Illinois has to offer,” said DCEO Director Sylvia I. Garcia. “Under Governor Pritzker’s leadership, the state has provided unprecedented support for tourism attractions and festivals, as well as direct support for hospitality businesses that are a key part of our tourism economy such as restaurants, bars, and hotels.” With more than 97.1 million visitors in 2021 spending billions across the State’s economy, Illinois is a top destination for visitors with recognition in national travel publications like Condé Nast Traveler and Time Out who named Chicago the best big city in the U.S., and CNN who ranked Southern Illinois among the most underrated travel destinations in U.S. Through the grant opportunity, the state will match local funds used to promote destinations, attractions and events through marketing such as promotional materials, media production costs, billboards, promotional materials at trade shows and additional uses outlined in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). The ultimate goal of the program is to support promotional projects that increase visitation and overnight stays, thereby fueling the local economies across the state.

“Illinois has a great story for visitors from around the country,” said State Sen. Sara Feigenholtz (D- Chicago). “We just need to get out there and tell it. Marketing dollars available through DCEO will help convention and visitors’ bureaus and local governments update their pitch and image so that Illinois is next on everyone’s travel list.” “There is something in Illinois that is right for everyone, many just don’t know it yet,” said State Rep. Lamont J. Robinson (D-Chicago). “When visitors get a glimpse of what it will be like to a hike in Shawnee National Forest or a stroll along Chicago’s Lakefront, they’ll be on their way.” “Our events, festivals and attractions are not to be missed and a critical part of that is raising awareness so folks can visit,” said State Sen. Cristina Castro (D-Elgin). “This grant opportunity will help make sure our events are sold out, our hotel rooms are booked, and our restaurants are filled to the brim. I couldn’t be more excited for communities to take advantage of this opportunity.” Through a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) entities can apply for grants of up to $100,000 for promotional funds. Applications will be accepted until December 12, 2022. To view the NOFO and apply for the grant, please visit https://dceo.illinois.gov/ and navigate to the Grant Opportunities page. DCEO has prioritized local tourism recovery through multiple grant funding efforts and opportunities, including $25 million for two rounds of the Tourism Attraction and Festivals Grant Program, $4 million for Route 66 tourism funding, and more than $285 million for restaurants, hotels and small businesses in the tourism/travel industry through the Back to Business (B2B), Business Interruption Grant (BIG) and Emergency Hospitality grant programs.

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Gov. Pritzker announces nearly $3 million in funding to support state tourism

  • Oct 27, 2022
  • Oct 27, 2022 Updated Oct 27, 2022

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Nearly $3 million dollars in funding will go to support tourism across the state, announced Governor JB Pritzker on Thursday.

The Governor's Office and the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity say that the funds will go into the Illinois Travel and Tourism Grant Program.

“As we continue to recover from the economic impacts of COVID-19, my administration is laser-focused on rebuilding our state’s tourism industry,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Today, I am proud to announce that DCEO is launching nearly $3 million in funding for local governments, municipalities, nonprofits, and more to attract visitors from around the nation—and the globe—to our great state. We are the Land of Lincoln, the home state of Obama, and the heart of the Midwest—all while touting the kindest people you’ll ever meet and, yes, the best pizza you’ll ever try.”

The grant program provides funding for promotional efforts by local governments as well as community groups with the goal of attracting visitors to destinations, attractions, and events throughout Illinois. The funding comes from a federal Economic Development Administration grant.

“With hidden gems, world-famous attractions and natural wonders in every corner of our great state, tourism is a critical part of the Illinois economy, and this new program will help draw more visitors to explore all Illinois has to offer,” said DCEO Director Sylvia I. Garcia. “Under Governor Pritzker’s leadership, the state has provided unprecedented support for tourism attractions and festivals, as well as direct support for hospitality businesses that are a key part of our tourism economy such as restaurants, bars, and hotels.”

Illinois is consistently a top destination for visitors and has received recognition from national travel publications including Condé Nast Traveler and Time Out who named Chicago the best big city in the U.S., and CNN who ranked Southern Illinois among the most underrated travel destinations in U.S.

The ultimate goal of the program is to support projects that increase visitation and overnight stays as these activities directly fuel local economies throughout the state.

“Illinois has a great story for visitors from around the country,” said State Sen. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago). “We just need to get out there and tell it. Marketing dollars available through DCEO will help convention and visitors' bureaus and local governments update their pitch and image so that Illinois is next on everyone's travel list.”

Through a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) entities can apply for grants of up to $100,000 for promotional funds. Applications will be accepted until December 12, 2022. To view the NOFO and apply for the grant, visit illinois.gov/dceo and navigate to the Grant Opportunities page.

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Nearly $3 million in funding announced to support statewide local tourism promotion

illinois travel and tourism grant program

“As we continue to recover from the economic impacts of COVID-19, my administration is laser-focused on rebuilding our state’s tourism industry,” said Gov. Pritzker. “Today, I am proud to announce that DCEO is launching nearly $3 million in funding for local governments, municipalities, nonprofits, and more to attract visitors from around the nation—and the globe—to our great state. We are the Land of Lincoln, the home state of Obama, and the heart of the Midwest—all while touting the kindest people you’ll ever meet and, yes, the best pizza you’ll ever try.”

The Illinois Travel and Tourism Grant Program provides funding for promotional efforts by local governments, and municipalities, non-profits and local promotional groups such as Illinois’ Certified Convention and Visitor Bureaus (CVBs), with the goal of attracting visitors to destinations, attractions, and events throughout Illinois. This program is funded by a federal Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant.

“With hidden gems, world-famous attractions and natural wonders in every corner of our great state, tourism is a critical part of the Illinois economy, and this new program will help draw more visitors to explore all Illinois has to offer,” said DCEO Director Sylvia I. Garcia. “Under Governor Pritzker’s leadership, the state has provided unprecedented support for tourism attractions and festivals, as well as direct support for hospitality businesses that are a key part of our tourism economy such as restaurants, bars, and hotels.”

With more than 97.1 million visitors in 2021 spending billions across the State’s economy, Illinois is a top destination for visitors with recognition in national travel publications like Condé Nast Traveler and Time Out who named Chicago the best big city in the U.S., and CNN who ranked Southern Illinois among the most underrated travel destinations in U.S.

Through the grant opportunity, the state will match local funds used to promote destinations, attractions and events through marketing such as promotional materials, media production costs, billboards, promotional materials at trade shows and additional uses outlined in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). The ultimate goal of the program is to support promotional projects that increase visitation and overnight stays, thereby fueling the local economies across the state.

“Illinois has a great story for visitors from around the country,” said State Sen. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago). “We just need to get out there and tell it. Marketing dollars available through DCEO will help convention and visitors’ bureaus and local governments update their pitch and image so that Illinois is next on everyone’s travel list.”

“There is something in Illinois that is right for everyone, many just don’t know it yet,” said State Rep. Lamont J. Robinson (D-Chicago). “When visitors get a glimpse of what it will be like to a hike in Shawnee National Forest or a stroll along Chicago’s Lakefront, they’ll be on their way.”

“Our events, festivals and attractions are not to be missed and a critical part of that is raising awareness so folks can visit,” said State Sen. Cristina Castro (D-Elgin). “This grant opportunity will help make sure our events are sold out, our hotel rooms are booked, and our restaurants are filled to the brim. I couldn’t be more excited for communities to take advantage of this opportunity.”

Through a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) entities can apply for grants of up to $100,000 for promotional funds. Applications will be accepted until Dec. 12, 2022. To view the NOFO and apply for the grant, please visit illinois.gov/dceo and navigate to the Grant Opportunities page.

DCEO has prioritized local tourism recovery through multiple grant funding efforts and opportunities, including $25 million for two rounds of the Tourism Attraction and Festivals Grant Program, $4 million for Route 66 tourism funding, and more than $285 million for restaurants, hotels and small businesses in the tourism/travel industry through the Back to Business (B2B), Business Interruption Grant (BIG) and Emergency Hospitality grant programs.

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Pritzker launches grant program to boost local tourism, festivals

illinois travel and tourism grant program

The Tourism Attractions and Festivals Grant program is made possible with support of from the the American Rescue Plan Act. The goal of the program is to attract additional visitors and overnight stays that will bring foot traffic back in communities across Illinois. (Photo courtesy of BN Area Convention & Visitors Bureau)

Gov. J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced a new $10 million grants program aimed at revitalizing the hard-hit tourism industry by bringing back new and returning tourism attractions and festivals across the state.

The Tourism Attractions and Festivals Grant program is made possible with support from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and is part of a broader effort underway by the Pritzker administration to help reinvigorate tourism in Illinois and to put the industry on a path to economic recovery from COVID-19.

Tourism and festival businesses and entities can submit for grants of up to $1 million that may be used to establish and enhance tourism attractions or festivals planned for this year or 2022.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until funds are depleted with awards made quarterly and the department will have the ability to fund applications most closely aligned to eligibility criteria approved for immediate funding.

“From our state parks to our famous drives to our world-renowned restaurants, wineries, and architecture, Illinois has earned our status as a major international destination for business and leisure travel,” said Pritzker. “In partnership with the General Assembly, I’ve built an expanded tourism recovery grants program to help more of Illinois’ communities reclaim their piece of the pie. We’re bringing visitors back into our communities, supporting our hospitality and entertainment businesses, and helping to return more Illinois residents to the job – another step toward getting our state back on track.”

The Tourism Attraction and Festivals Grant program will help develop new or enhance existing tourism attractions located across the state — including but not limited to museums, businesses, events, performances, and festivals. To maximize the impact of the program, DCEO will utilize ARPA federal recovery dollars to provide grants ranging from $10,000 to $1 million and will require a local match.

The goal of the program is to attract additional visitors and overnight stays that will bring foot traffic back in communities across Illinois.

“Travel and tourism play a vital role in our Illinois economy, fueling hundreds of thousands of jobs and driving significant economic activity across our communities every year,” said Sylvia Garcia, acting director of the Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO).

illinois travel and tourism grant program

The program will help develop new or enhance existing tourism attractions located across the state — including but not limited to museums, businesses, events, performances, and festivals. (Photo courtesy of enjoyillinois.com)

Eligible applicants include units of local government, municipalities, county, not-for-profit and for-profit organizations, or local promotions groups.  The funds may be utilized for capital projects, equipment, training, transportation, housing, receptions, entertainment, photography, temporary housing, and interpretive programs, like exhibits and installations — to further develop new attractions and events to attract visitors to Illinois.  In turn, these grants will result in increased visitor spending in local communities, generating revenue and creating jobs for Illinoisans.

“Illinois’ travel and tourism industry is an enormous economic and brand driver for the state,” said Dave Herrell, chairman of the Illinois Council of Convention and Visitor Bureaus (ICCVB). “This investment announced (Aug. 10) will further possibilities for communities to leverage and invigorate their respective destinations and tourism marketing efforts. Illinois must remain competitive in both leisure and business travel and continue to add value for the state’s visitor economy. These resources are yet another opportunity to enhance Illinois’ assets, create jobs, and showcase the state.”

Proposed attractions and festivals must demonstrate how this award will help businesses in the surrounding area and will be evaluated based on marketing value and ability to attract visitors for overnight stays. Projects will score higher based on proximity to commercial corridors and services — including hotels/motels, restaurants, retail, and other commercial operations. Attractions include but are not limited to: museums and cultural centers; theme/amusement parks; outdoor activities and recreation sites; and other facilities or businesses that attract or serve visitors.

This additional support for the tourism industry follows on the launch of a new campaign earlier this year to reinvigorate the industry and to support convention and visitor bureau (CVB) partners in attracting visitors back into all areas across the state.  “Time for Me to Drive,” is the first new tourism campaign since COVID-19 hit last year and seizes on pent up travel demand — namely road trips — to encourage residents and visitors to enjoy Illinois’ diverse communities and scenic landscapes safely. The campaign encompasses over 60 unique itineraries – more information can be found at the State’s official tourism website, enjoyillinois.com .

“The $10 million in tourism recovery grants from the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity will provide our diverse communities a springboard to attract visitors to experience Illinois’ world-class museums, iconic festivals, and historic landmarks. My legislative colleagues and I on the House Tourism Committee look forward to working with the Pritzker Administration to build a re-energized, re-imagined, 21st Century Illinois tourism industry,” ,” said Rep. Lamont J. Robinson, Jr. (D-Chicago), Chair of the House Tourism Committee.”

A technical assistance webinar will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 25, from 1 – 2 p.m. to explain application requirements, program eligibility and program guidelines. To sign up for the webinar,  visit this link .

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  1. Illinois Office Of Tourism Announces $1.9M For Tourism Grant Recipients

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  3. OVERVIEW OF THE ILLINOIS STATE TOURISM FUNDING MODEL:

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  4. Illinois announces USD 1.9 million for tourism grant programme

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COMMENTS

  1. Apply for Funding

    DCEO Grant Opportunities. Description. Application Deadline: May 1, 2024: The Tourism Incentive Grant Program will provide grant funding for establishment of an incentive grant program used by eligible entities to attract new out-of-state events to Illinois when competing with other states' destinations. It may also be used to retain existing ...

  2. State of Illinois announces $10 Million Grant to Support Illinois

    The Tourism Attraction and Festivals Grant program will help develop new or enhance existing tourism attractions located across the state - including but not limited to museums, businesses, events, performances, and festivals. To maximize the impact of the program, DCEO will utilize ARPA federal recovery dollars to provide grants ranging from ...

  3. Gov. Pritzker Awards $6.6 Million in Route 66 and Local Tourism

    Through the Illinois Travel and Tourism Grant Program, $2.9 million is being awarded to 51 grantees to support local tourism promotional efforts. This program provides funding for promotional efforts by local governments, municipalities, non-profits and local promotional groups such as Illinois' Certified Convention and Visitor Bureaus (CVBs ...

  4. CSFA

    Tourism Attractions & Festivals Grant Program. CSFA Number: 420-27-2645. STATE AGENCY INFORMATION. Agency Name. Department Of Commerce And Economic Opportunity (420) Agency Contact. Tracey Minder. 217/558-1653. [email protected].

  5. Illinois Office of Tourism Announces $1.9M for Tourism Grant Recipients

    There was significant demand for this grant program, receiving more than four times the number of requests than available funding. The Tourism Private Sector Grant Program will help attract major new events to the state or significantly enhance existing events to increase visitation. DCEO provided grant funding to seven applicants in the amount ...

  6. Gov. Pritzker Announces Nearly $3 Million in Funding to Support Local

    The Illinois Travel and Tourism Grant Program provides funding for promotional efforts by local governments, and municipalities, non-profits and local promotional groups such as Illinois' Certified Convention and Visitor Bureaus (CVBs), with the goal of attracting visitors to destinations, attractions, and events throughout Illinois. ...

  7. Gov. Pritzker announces nearly $3 million in funding to support state

    The Governor's Office and the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity say that the funds will go into the Illinois Travel and Tourism Grant Program.

  8. Market Overview widget

    On Oct. 27, 2022, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced nearly $3 million in funding to support local tourism promotional efforts across the state through the Illinois Travel and Tourism Grant Program. "As we continue to recover from the economic impacts of COVID-19, my ...

  9. CSFA

    Agency Identification. 75-1. Agency Contact. Greg Mihalich. 2172991323. [email protected]. PROGRAM INFORMATION. Short Description. The intent of the program is to generate increased hotel/motel occupancy and travel into and throughout the State of Illinois impacting the economic growth of the tourism industry.

  10. Illinois tourism grant programs aim to attract more tourists

    Illinois has allocated $15.4 million for two new tourism grant programs that are expected to help boost economic development and aid the restaurant and hotel industries across the state. The $10.8 ...

  11. $3M in grants to help communities promote Illinois tourism

    November 4, 2022. Tourism promoters throughout Illinois are urged to apply for grants of up to $100,000 from nearly $3 million in Illinois Travel and Tourism Grant Program funding recently made available by the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO). The money is designed to fund promotional efforts by local governments ...

  12. Governor Pritzker Boosts Illinois Tourism with $4.6M Grant Program as

    By Jo Marquez. Published on March 08, 2024. The Empire State's tourism just got a significant cash infusion, as Governor JB Pritzker stamped a $4.6 million grant approval for various local tourism ...

  13. CSFA

    Section 555.50 Form of Application a) All communications relating to the Application procedures defined in Section 555.60 shall be addressed to the International Tourism Grant Program Manager and sent to: Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Illinois Office of Tourism, 100 W. Randolph Street, Suite 3-400, Chicago, Illinois 60601.

  14. Pritzker launches grant program to boost local tourism, festivals

    The Tourism Attractions and Festivals Grant program is made possible with support from the federal. ... "Illinois' travel and tourism industry is an enormous economic and brand driver for the state," said Dave Herrell, chairman of the Illinois Council of Convention and Visitor Bureaus (ICCVB). "This investment announced (Aug. 10) will ...

  15. Program List

    Illinois Travel and Tourism Grant Program: 420-25-2973: DCEO (420) 50: 0: Illinois Works Pre-apprenticeship Program: 420-30-2614: DCEO (420) 22: 0: INACTIVE - Swimming Pool Improvements - 2019 Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) Grant Management Initiative: 420-99-1869: DCEO (420) 2: 0:

  16. ILETSB

    At this time, awards for the Recruitment & Retention and NIBIN grants offered last fall have been issued and announcements for the camera grants are going out this week.