Major Events, Games, and Attractions Fund
Major Events, Games, and Attractions Fund supports local entities and event site selectors in attracting major events to North Carolina to draw out-of-state visitors, strengthen tourism, and create jobs.
Funder: North Carolina Department of Commerce
Due Dates: Applications being accepted | Supplemental materials: within 15 days of request
Funding Amounts: Percentage of qualifying expenses, capped at the Department-calculated State benefit; one grant per event
Summary: Supports attracting major events to North Carolina that bring out-of-state visitors, strengthen tourism, and generate economic activity and jobs.
Key Information: A local entity and site selection organization must apply jointly; funds are paid after the event and verification of expenses.
Description
The Major Events, Games, and Attractions Fund is administered by the North Carolina Department of Commerce, with administrative support from its Commerce Finance Center. Established by the General Assembly, it supports efforts to attract or retain major events that draw out-of-state visitors, stimulate economic activity, create jobs, and strengthen North Carolina’s travel and tourism industries.
The program covers qualifying entertainment, musical, political, sporting, and theatrical events selected through a competitive site-selection process. Support depends on the event’s economic justification, anticipated positive media exposure, employment benefits, and alignment with state and local economic development goals. Published commitments include motorsports, soccer, golf, pickleball, tennis, music awards, and a battle of the bands across multiple North Carolina regions.
