Tourism Grant Opportunities
Destination MT offers two upcoming Tourism Grant Programs, the Pilot Community Tourism Grant Program (PCTGP) and the Economic Impact and Destination Event Grant Program for local partners. Both grants are new to Destination MT and are intended to boost visitation and revenues in rural areas and those underserved by tourism. In addition, the town of West Yellowstone is offering a $100,000 funding opportunity for a multi-day event in West Yellowstone for 2025 — a great fit for someone looking to utilize the Event Grant Program!
Pilot Community Tourism Grant Program
The first, PCTGP, is a broad-based tourism grant to help rural communities, or communities centered around a shared activity or theme, define, develop and implement new tourism products. Each selected tourism-ready community may be awarded up to $2.75 million in grant funds for up to 60 months.
Grant funds can be used for various things, such as support and resources, such as hiring a consultant to do a tourism assessment, or tourism asset and product development, like building a civic center to house events. Training in leadership and collaborative marketing is also allowable.
The grant is not intended to be the sole funding source, so interested communities must provide additional funding, and Destination MT will reimburse approved grant dollars. Eligible communities include:
- One rural community
- Multiple rural communities partnering together
- One under-visited community
- Multiple under-visited communities partnering together
- An under-visited community(s) partnering together with a rural community(s)
- An urban community that partners with a rural and/or under-visited community
- An Over-visited community that partners with a rural and/or under-visited community
You can find more information at brand.mt.gov.
Economic Impact and Destination Event Grant Program
This reimbursement program offers up to $25,000 to entities wanting to create new events to increase tourism, promote Montana’s unique attributes, and generate additional community revenue.
Eligible Applicants Include:
- Primary, registered non-profit 501(c) organization
- Cooperative
- City or town that is incorporated
- County government
- Consolidated government
- Tribal government (a waiver of sovereign immunity likely will be required for a tribal government to receive Event Grant funding)
Eligible Events:
Destination MT generally will consider eligible applicant’s proposals to host events that promote tourism, community pride and Montana’s unique cultural heritage, including, but not limited to:
- Cultural festivals and concerts
- Entertainment shows and productions
- Educational workshops
- Indigenous, niche, or signatory activities; and/or
- Historical celebrations
A local match is not required for this program. You can find more information at brand.mt.gov.
Non-state Grants
Funding Criteria:
- Maximum funding amount: $100,000
- Event duration: multi-day event to be held in 2025
- Location: within the town limits of West Yellowstone, or within a 20-mile radius limit of town but still within Montana
Eligibility Criteria:
- Event must span multiple days.
- Event should benefit the community and attract visitors to West Yellowstone.
- Open to a wide range of events, festivals, etc.
- Applicants must adhere to local regulations and event guidelines.
Why Choose West Yellowstone?
- Picturesque surroundings: Nestled near Yellowstone National Park
- Vibrant community: Engage with a welcoming community.
- Endless possibilities: Abundant outdoor activities, stunning landscapes and a prime tourist destination with over 1.25 million visitors annually.
How to Apply: After February 1, 2024, interested organizers can find the funding application and guidelines at http://www.townofwestyellowstone.com
The deadline to submit a proposal is June 30, 2024. Proposals can be emailed to Liz at eroos@townofwestyellowstone.com