Businesses and organizations involved in tourism across Illinois have a new opportunity to apply for state funding to improve attractions and develop events that bring visitors into local communities.
Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced October 21, 2026, that $2.4 million is available through two tourism grant programs.
The funding includes $1.8 million for developing and improving tourism attractions and another $600,000 for events and festivals.
Eligible applicants include certain private businesses, nonprofit organizations, municipalities, counties, and local promotional groups.
Applications for both programs close November 13, 2026, at 5 p.m.
Tourism Attraction Grants Offer Up to $200,000
The Tourism Attraction Grant Program provides funding for projects intended to attract visitors and increase tourism-related economic activity.
The state has allocated $1.8 million for this funding round.
Individual awards range from $15,000 to $200,000.
Eligible projects may involve museums, historical attractions, recreation areas, botanical gardens, amusement parks, and other qualifying visitor destinations.
Funding can support activities such as constructing or renovating tourism facilities, purchasing equipment, and developing certain visitor programs.
The program is intended to support attractions that serve visitors from beyond their immediate communities.
Under the official guidelines, qualifying attractions generally must be open to the public at least 100 days annually. Entirely event-driven attractions must operate at least 200 hours annually.
Attractions must also be marketed to visitors from more than 50 miles away.
Matching Funds Are Required
Applicants must contribute funding toward their proposed projects.
For nonprofit organizations, municipalities, counties, and qualifying local promotional groups, the required match is at least 50% of total project costs.
For private for-profit businesses, the matching requirement increases to at least 75% of total project costs.
That means a qualifying private business seeking $50,000 in state assistance would generally need a project budget of at least $200,000, including $150,000 in matching contributions.
The program does not provide unrestricted operating assistance.
Applicants must demonstrate that their proposed expenses qualify under the state’s grant requirements.
Separate Grants Available for Festivals and Events
Illinois is also offering $600,000 through its Tourism Private Sector Grant Program.
Individual awards range from $10,000 to $50,000.
This program supports organizations working to attract, develop, or expand tourism events and festivals.
Eligible activities may include advertising, marketing, transportation, equipment rental, entertainment, and other qualifying event expenses.
Applicants may include nonprofit organizations, government entities, for-profit businesses, and local promotional groups.
A dollar-for-dollar matching contribution is required.
The program focuses on events intended to attract visitors and generate additional tourism activity rather than simply covering routine expenses for existing events.
Tourism Investment Can Support Local Economies
Tourism activity can affect businesses beyond the attractions themselves.
Visitors may spend money at restaurants, hotels, retail establishments, transportation providers, and other businesses.
According to Illinois officials, the state welcomed approximately 115 million visitors during 2025.
Those visitors generated an estimated $50.2 billion in spending.
The newly announced grant programs are intended to support projects that contribute to continued tourism activity.
However, receiving a grant does not guarantee increased attendance or revenue for individual businesses.
Applications Close November 13
Both grant opportunities are currently accepting applications.
Organizations must complete the state’s required grant prequalification process and submit the appropriate application materials.
Applicants should review the official funding notices before committing money to proposed projects.
The state expects to select recipients through a competitive review process.
For Illinois businesses and organizations operating qualifying tourism attractions or events, the November 13 deadline provides a limited window to pursue financial assistance for planned improvements.