Ready, Set, Go! Grant Program
The Ready, Set, Go! Grant Program supports Wisconsin destinations bidding for competitive sporting events, funding upfront fees and event costs to attract overnight visitors and boost local economies.
Funder: Wisconsin Department of Tourism
Due Dates: February 1, 2027 (February round) | April 1, 2027 (April round) | September 1, 2027 (September round)
Funding Amounts: Up to $30,000 per destination per request; up to $30,000 per fiscal year
Summary: Helps Wisconsin destinations secure competitive sporting events that bring overnight visitors and local economic impact.
Key Information: Only Destination Marketing Organizations and Native American tribes may apply.
Description
The Wisconsin Department of Tourism’s Ready, Set, Go! program helps destinations bid for national or Midwest regional competitive sporting events that require an upfront financial commitment. It supports bid or commitment fees and allowable site, venue, or municipal costs. The goal is to bring events that generate hotel overnights, visitor spending, and significant economic impact to Wisconsin.
Events can also raise a destination’s regional, national, or international profile and generate media exposure. The program does not support events regularly scheduled in Wisconsin or events that routinely rotate among destinations within the state. Sports camps are not considered competitive events.
