2025.10.07 Grant Opportunities for Illinois' Creative Sector

The Illinois Arts Council (IAC), in collaboration with the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and the Illinois Office of Tourism, announces the availability of three grant opportunities designed to enhance tourism and stimulate economic growth within the state. Each grant aims to support the development and improvement of tourism-related events and attractions across Illinois.

The Tourism Private Sector Grant provides financial assistance to entities such as not-for-profit organizations, for-profit businesses, counties, municipalities, and local promotion groups. The purpose of this grant is to attract, host, and enhance tourism events and festivals within Illinois. Grants awarded will range from $10,000 to $50,000, requiring recipients to match the grant amount dollar-for-dollar with funds from non-governmental sources. Up to 25% of the required match can be fulfilled through in-kind contributions. Eligible activities for funding include advertising, marketing, transportation, housing, and various event-related expenses aimed at increasing attendance from individuals traveling from over 50 miles away. Register for an informational webinar on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, from 2 to 3pm.

The Tourism Attraction Grant Program is designed to assist in the development or improvement of tourism attractions, with funding available up to $200,000. Eligible applicants include counties, municipalities, units of local government, not-for-profit organizations, local promotion groups, and for-profit businesses. The grant can be used for capital projects such as land and building acquisitions, construction, renovations, and equipment purchases that contribute to the creation or enhancement of tourism attractions. Matching funds are required, with a 50% match for governmental and not-for-profit entities and a 75% match for for-profit businesses. Register for an informational webinar on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 11am.

The Tourism Marketing Partnership Program Grant/Cook Co. and Tourism Marketing Partnership Program Grant/Balance of State are available to assist in marketing and promoting tourism attractions, destinations, and events throughout Illinois. This program is divided into two separate applications: one for entities within Cook County and another for those located in other parts of Illinois. The grant awards range from $10,000 to $100,000, with recipients required to match the grant amount at least 100% with funds from non-government sources. Eligible applicants include counties, municipalities, not-for-profit organizations, and local promotion groups located outside Cook County, as well as similar entities within Cook County for the corresponding application. Funded projects should aim to increase overnight stays and tourism-related economic activity. Register for an informational webinar (Cook and Downstate) on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 2pm.

The deadline for applications for all three grants is November 3, 2025, at 5:00 PM. Applicants must be registered in the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Grantee Portal and meet specific eligibility criteria, including possessing a valid Federal Employer Identification Number.

A general DCEO posting site containing the links to these and all DCEO application documents can be found here: https://dceo.illinois.gov/aboutdceo/grantopportunities/grants.html