RELEASE: Tourism Grant Application Cycle Opens With $1 Million Available

Montana Department of Commerce sent this bulletin at 08/10/2022 09:37 AM MDT
montana department of commerce
Bighorn Canyon Montana

Bighorn Canyon - Photo by Montana Department of Commerce

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, August 10, 2022

CONTACT: Anastasia Burton | Anastasia.Burton@mt.gov | 406.841.2557

Tourism Grant Application Cycle Opens With $1 Million Available

HELENA – The Montana Department of Commerce announced today that the 2023 Tourism Grant program application cycle is now open. The Tourism Grant program funds projects that strengthen Montana’s economy through the development and enhancement of the state’s tourism and recreation industry. A total of $1 million is available for projects that develop and enhance tourism and recreation products which have the potential to increase out-of-area visitation.

“Tourism is one of Montana’s leading industries. Out-of-area visitors add money to the state’s economy, supporting jobs and reducing state and local taxes for Montana residents,” said Montana Department of Commerce Director Scott Osterman. “Recently, Montana’s tourism economy took a significant hit, largely due to flooding. These grants will help support the development of tourism and recreation projects, increase visitation, and stabilize our tourism-dependent communities while reinforcing Montana’s draw as a destination for travelers from all over the world.”

Applications for the grant funding will be open to Montana-based non-profit 501(c) organizations, Tribal governments, city governments, and county governments. Funds are generally awarded to tourism and recreation projects within these categories:

  • Digital product development for online assets that create or contain a destination brand for the tourism and/or recreation industry.
  • Heritage preservation projects which preserve, protect, or restore Montana’s arts, culture and/or heritage treasures.
  • Infrastructure upgrades or enhancement projects of tourism facilities to enrich visitor experience and increase revenue.
  • Niche product development projects within the three brand pillars of interest to out-of-area visitors as identified in the Montana Destination Brand Research Study.
  • Wayfinding for a community or outdoor recreation opportunity through signage, mapping, or destination development.

The 2023 annual application cycle closes at midnight MST on September 15. To learn more and apply, visit BRAND.MT.COM or contact Michele Cushman at the Montana Department of Commerce at TourismGrants@mt.gov or 406.841.2796. Interested applicants can watch a tourism grant application workshop here.

The Tourism Grant Program is funded by the 4% Lodging Facility Use Tax, commonly known as the “Bed Tax.” Enacted by the 1987 Legislature, the Bed Tax is collected from guests of hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, guest ranches, resorts, short-term vacation rentals, and campgrounds in Montana.

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