ELGIN – State Senator Cristina Castro is encouraging eligible organizations and businesses to apply for $2.4 million in state tourism grant funding announced by Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.
“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 Castro (D-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.”
Funding is available through two programs: $1.8 million for the Tourism Attraction Grant Program, which supports the development and improvement of tourism attractions, and $600,000 for the Tourism Private Sector Grant Program, which helps attract, host, and expand events and festivals across the state.
Illinois welcomed 115 million visitors who spent $50.2 billion in 2025, surpassing $50 billion in visitor spending for the first time in state history. The state’s tourism industry supports local businesses, generates tax revenue and creates jobs in communities throughout Illinois.
The Tourism Attraction Grant Program provides grants ranging from $15,000 to $200,000 for projects involving attractions such as museums, recreation areas and amusement parks. Eligible applicants include counties, municipalities, nonprofit organizations, local promotional groups, for-profit entities and units of local government. Matching requirements vary by applicant type.
The Tourism Private Sector Grant Program offers grants ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 to support new, expanded, or enhanced events and festivals. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, government entities, for-profit institutions and local promotional groups. Applicants must provide a dollar-for-dollar match.
“I encourage all eligible organizations and businesses to explore these opportunities to strengthen Illinois’ tourism offerings and support economic activity in communities across the state,” added Castro.
Applications for both programs will be accepted until Nov. 13 at 5 p.m. To view the Notice Of Funding Opportunity and apply for the grant, 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 p.m. on Oct. 22. Interested parties are also encouraged to reach out to
