The State of Illinois is making $2.4 million in grant funding available to public and private organizations to help improve tourism attractions, expand events, and encourage more visitors to communities throughout the state.
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced the funding will be distributed through two programs, including $1.8 million for the Tourism Attraction Grant Program and $600,000 for the Tourism Private Sector Grant Program.
The grants are designed to strengthen local tourism, support economic development, and help communities attract visitors to museums, parks, festivals, and other destinations.
Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton said investing in tourism attractions benefits businesses and communities across Illinois.
“Investing in our attractions creates jobs and grows economies across the state, while making it easier than ever to share the best of Illinois with countless visitors every year,” Stratton said.
According to DCEO, Illinois welcomed 115 million visitors in 2025, generating $50.2 billion in visitor spending. It marked the first time tourism spending in the state exceeded $50 billion.
The Tourism Attraction Grant Program provides funding for projects designed to increase tourism activity and improve attractions such as museums, parks, and other visitor destinations. Government entities, nonprofit organizations, and for-profit businesses are eligible to apply.
Grants through that program range from $15,000 to $200,000. Nonprofit organizations must provide a one-to-one funding match, while for-profit applicants must meet a three-to-one matching requirement.
The Tourism Private Sector Grant Program focuses on helping organizations attract, develop, and host new or expanded events and festivals that bring additional visitors to Illinois communities.
Funding through that program ranges from $10,000 to $50,000, with a one-to-one matching requirement.
The funding opportunities could benefit communities throughout Southern Illinois looking to improve existing attractions, develop tourism-related projects, or expand local festivals and special events.
The application deadline for both grant programs is Friday, November 13th, at 5 p.m.
Organizations interested in applying can find eligibility requirements, application materials, and additional information through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity website.
Information on the Tourism Attraction Grant Program is available at https://dceo.illinois.gov/aboutdceo/grantopportunities/2168-4351.html.
Details on the Tourism Private Sector Grant Program can be found at https://dceo.illinois.gov/aboutdceo/grantopportunities/2167-4352.html