The government of North Dakota offers Tourism Infrastructure and Expansion Grants to support new and expanding tourism and recreation projects in the state. These grants are open for nonprofit organizations, Indian tribes, cities and counties qualifying for tourism-related projects. Each grant can be used for project construction costs; the purchase of new and/or existing tourism attractions; artifacts and historical sites; and the purchase of equipment for tourism project operations. Funds must be spent within 18 months of signing the project agreement. Every recipient can receive grants from the program for no more than three consecutive years.
The Tourism Cares Grant Program administers two types of grants for nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations for tourism projects: the Tourism Cares Worldwide Grant Program and Tourism Cares Special Grants Program. Tourism Cares already funded more than $2 million of funds to more than a hundred organizations including dozens of national parks, states and counties.
The Executive Director and the Blue Ribbon Panel composed of experts in the fields of tourism, preservation, conservation and restoration evaluate the Worldwide Grant applications, then the Board of Directors give the final approval. The Special Grants recipients are chosen by internal selection. Some of the Special Grant Programs include: the Globus American Icons Program targeting historic “American Icons” for preservation and restoration on selected sites acknowledged as popular North American vacations; and the Gulf Coast Restoration Fund Program for the rebuilding and restoration of the Gulf Coast’s historic and cultural sites after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita hit the Gulf Coast.
The Wisconsin Department of Tourism provides funding to nonprofit organizations, municipalities and Native American tribes for Wisconsin tourism industry projects. The state offers three major tourism grants: the Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) Grant Program meant for funding original marketing and creative ideas; the Ready, Set, Go! Grant Program helping destinations with up-front funds to secure competitive events; and the Tourist Information Center (TIC) Grant Program designed to assist nonprofits with their operating expenses on Wisconsin tourism services.
