Tourism Attraction Grant Program
Tourism Attraction Grant Program supports local partners developing and improving Illinois attractions to draw visitors, strengthen tourism’s economic impact, and support jobs and community growth.
Funder: Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
Due Dates: November 13, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Central Standard Time (Full application)
Funding Amounts: $15,000–$200,000 per award; $1.8 million total; project period January 1–December 31, 2027
Summary: Supports development and improvement of Illinois tourism attractions to increase visitation and tourism’s economic impact.
Key Information: Applicants must be pre-qualified and provide matching funds covering at least 50% of project costs, or 75% for for-profit businesses.
Description
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s Tourism Attraction Grant Program supports local partners creating, expanding, and enhancing attractions throughout Illinois. The program aims to deliver memorable visitor experiences, attract travelers from across the country and internationally, increase traffic to hotels, restaurants, and retailers, and support jobs and community economic growth.
Eligible activities include land and building acquisition, construction and renovation, attraction equipment purchases and installation, and festival equipment rentals. The program also supports hospitality and tourism workforce training, along with interpretive programs and exhibits at historical or cultural sites. Its focus is attraction development and enhancement rather than tourism marketing. Information about anticipated overnight stays can help reviewers assess a project’s tourism impact.
