For Immediate Release – October 21, 2026
Governor Pritzker Announces $2.4 Million Available for Tourism Grant Programs
Eligible entities can now apply for Tourism Attraction and Tourism Private Sector Grant Programs
CHICAGO – Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced $2.4 million is available in tourism funding through the Tourism Attraction Grant Program ($1.8 million) and the Tourism Private Sector Grant Program ($600,000). Eligible entities can apply for grants to develop and improve new and existing tourism attractions through the Tourism Attraction Grant Program and grants to support and attract events and festivals through the Tourism Private Sector Grant Program. Grantees will be selected through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) process.
“From Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods to historic Route 66 communities and the natural beauty of Southern Illinois, every corner of our state has something special to offer,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Our tourism attractions and local festivals bring people together and drive business to our Main Streets. This latest round of funding will help communities grow those destinations and events, welcome more visitors, and support local jobs.”
“Investing in our attractions creates jobs and grows economies across the state, while making it easier than ever to share the best of Illinois with countless visitors every year,” said Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton. “From the attractions themselves to nearby hotels, shopping, and restaurants, these investments will give everyone a much-needed boost.”
Illinois continues to prioritize its tourism industry as millions of visitors spend billions of dollars annually across the state, boosting economic development and supporting jobs in the industry. Illinois reached its highest-ever hotel revenue figures in FY26 with $372 million – a $5 million increase over the previous record set in FY25. Additionally, Illinois welcomed 115 million visitors who spent $50.2 billion in 2025 – surpassing the $50 billion mark for the first time in Illinois history.
“DCEO is committed to helping the destination economy flourish. Through our award-winning Enjoy Illinois campaign and programs like those we are announcing today, the State is investing in continued growth of tourism across Illinois,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “Whether entities are seeking to develop new or existing tourism attractions, or supporting events and festivals, the State of Illinois is offering funding opportunities that will boost economic development while supporting our world-class tourism industry.”
Tourism Attraction Grant Program
The $1.8 million Tourism Attraction Grant Program will provide funding for the development or improvement of tourism attractions in Illinois, such as museums, recreation areas, amusement parks, and more. The goal of the program is to provide assistance for projects that increase the economic impact of tourism throughout Illinois by increasing visitation rates, boosting hotel occupancy, increasing local hotel and sales tax revenue, and more. Eligible applicants include counties, municipalities, not-for-profit organizations, local promotion groups, for-profit entities, and units of local government.
Eligible entities can apply for Tourism Attraction grants between $15,000 to $200,000, with a 1:1 match requirement for non-profits and a 3:1 match requirement for for-profit entities. Applications will be accepted until November 13 at 5:00 p.m. To view the NOFO and apply for the grant, please visit the DCEO website. To help applicants prepare to apply for funding, DCEO will be holding a webinar focused on the Tourism Attraction Grant Program at 10:00 a.m. on October 22. Interested parties are also encouraged to reach out to CEO.GrantHelp@illinois.gov for application assistance.
Tourism Private Sector Grant Program
DCEO is allocating $600,000 through the Tourism Private Sector Grant Program, which provides funding to entities to attract, host and develop new or enhanced events and festivals across Illinois. The grant opportunity is open to non-profits, government entities, for-profit institutions, and local promotional groups, and as defined in state statute. Grant funds can be used for a variety of purposes that support new, expanded, or enhanced events and festivals including advertising and marketing, transportation, building or equipment rental, receptions and banquets, registration, entertainment, and more.
Eligible entities can apply for Tourism Private Sector grants between $10,000 to $50,000, with a 1:1 match requirement. Applications will be accepted until November 13 at 5:00 p.m. To view the NOFO and apply for the grant, please visit the DCEO website. To help applicants prepare to apply for funding, DCEO will be holding a webinar focused on the Tourism Private Sector Grant Program at 2:00 p.m. on October 22. Interested parties are also encouraged to reach out to CEO.GrantHelp@illinois.gov for application assistance.
“The State’s $2.4 million investments in these tourism grant programs will build upon the success of our tourism industry while creating economic opportunities for Illinoisans,” said Leader Cristina Castro (Elgin). “The Tourism Attraction and Tourism Private Sector grant programs are incredible opportunities for eligible entities to gain State support for their tourism endeavors across Illinois.”
“Illinois’ Tourism Attraction and Tourism Private Sector grants have already helped numerous grantees throughout the state, and I encourage eligible entities to apply for this next round of funding,” said Leader Robyn Gabel (Evanston). “While millions of visitors are spending billions of dollars each year across Illinois, the State is prioritizing its tourism industry that supports jobs and economic opportunity in our local communities.”
The success of Illinois’ tourism sector is due to its commitment to supporting the industry as well as the Illinois Office of Tourism’s award-winning “Middle of Everything” campaign. Since it launched in 2022, the campaign has contributed to an additional 2.4 million trips equaling more than an additional $1 billion spent in Illinois hotels, restaurants, small businesses, and attractions, according to data from Longwoods International. Additionally, every $1 spent on the campaign equated to $74 in visitor spending while generating $7 in state and local tax revenue – an enormous return on investment.
