Commerce Announces Tourism Grant Program Application Cycle Opens August 1

$750,000 available for tourism, recreation projects

The Montana Department of Commerce announced the 2022 Tourism Grant cycle opens August 1. Applications for the Tourism Grant Program can be submitted from August 1 through September 15.

The Tourism Grant Program funds projects that strengthen Montana’s economy through the development and enhancement of Montana’s tourism and recreation industry. A total of $750,000 is available for projects that develop and enhance tourism and recreation products that have the potential to increase non-resident visitation.

“With these grants, the Department of Commerce continues to support the development of tourism and recreation projects, increasing visitors to our state and prompting economic growth and resiliency for many Montana communities,” said Commerce Director Scott Osterman. “As the state’s tourism economy continues to recover from the pandemic, these grants will help Montana remain a major tourism destination for travelers from all over the world.”

Applications for the grant funding will be open to non-profit 501(c) organizations, tribal governments, city governments and county governments based in Montana. Eligible projects to be considered for these grants include:

• Digital product developments for online assets that create or contain destination brand for the tourism and/or recreation industry.

• Heritage Preservation projects preserve, protect, or restore Montana’s arts, culture and/or heritage treasures.

• Infrastructure upgrades or enhancement projects of tourism facilities that will enhance the non-resident visitor experience and increase expenditures.

• Niche Product Development are projects within the three brand pillars that are of interest to non-resident visitors as identified in Montana Destination Brand Research Study.

• Wayfinding for a community or outdoor recreation opportunity through signage or mapping or destination development.

• Destination event-only projects or activities are not eligible for consideration in the annual application cycle. A destination event-based grant cycle will be offered through the Tourism Grant Program later this year.

The 2022 annual application cycle closes promptly at midnight MST on September 15. Learn more and apply for a Tourism Grant at MARKETMT.COM or contact Michele Cushman via email at TourismGrants@mt.gov or call 406.841.2796.

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.