Illinois Opens $2.4 Million in Tourism Grants; Private-Sector Applications Due November 13
Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced on October 21 that $2.4 million in tourism grants is open for applications. The Tourism Attractions program offers $1.8 million to build or improve museums, recreation areas, amusement parks and other attractions, with grants of $15,000 to $200,000; nonprofits must provide a 1-to-1 match and for-profit entities a 3-to-1 match. The Tourism Private Sector program offers $600,000 to attract and host new or expanded events and festivals, with grants of $10,000 to $50,000 and a 1-to-1 match. Both are competitive; private-sector applications close at 5 p.m. on November 13, and DCEO will hold webinars on both programs on October 22.
Pritzker said communities from Chicago's 77 neighborhoods to historic Route 66 towns and southern Illinois's natural scenery each have something unique, and the funding will help them grow attractions and events, welcome visitors and support local jobs. State data show Illinois hotel revenue hit a record $372 million in fiscal 2026, and the state welcomed 115 million visitors in 2025 who spent $50.2 billion — the first time visitor spending topped $50 billion.
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：伊利诺伊州议会大厦（Springfield）。经 Wikimedia Commons 提供。Photo: the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield, via Wikimedia Commons.
