Colorado Tourism Marketing Grant

Funder: Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade

The Colorado Tourism Marketing Grant, managed by the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, funds innovative tourism marketing campaigns that inspire responsible exploration of Colorado. With a funding range of $2,500 to $49,000, the grant prioritizes initiatives celebrating Colorado's diverse heritage and cultures, particularly for the America 250 - Colorado 150 Commission. This program aims to strengthen Colorado's brand, enhance tourism, and ensure inclusivity across the state.

Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade
The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) creates a positive business climate that encourages dynamic economic development and sustainable job growth. We advance the state’s economy through financial and technical programs under the leadership of the Governor and Executive Director.
Colorado Tourism Office
The Colorado Tourism Office (CTO) is a division of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and International Trade. The mission of the CTO is to empower the tourism industry by inspiring the world to explore Colorado responsibly and respectfully. We accomplish this goal through a statewide collaboration with destination marketing organizations, local communities, and private businesses. The Colorado Tourism Office seeks to advance the strength and resilience of the entire industry through collaboration, inclusivity, innovation and leadership
Grant Summary
The Tourism Marketing Grant provides funding for tourism marketing campaigns and initiatives that support the CTO’s mission “to empower the tourism industry by inspiring the world to explore Colorado responsibly and respectfully.”
The FY26 Tourism Marketing Grant Program will prioritize funding for marketing campaigns and initiatives that support the work of the America 250 - Colorado 150 Commission and celebrate this milestone. This includes marketing campaigns and initiatives that highlight Colorado's diverse heritage and cultures, and share those uniquely Colorado stories and experiences. This focus aims to boost tourism during the national commemoration of America's 250th anniversary and Colorado's sesquicentennial.
The minimum funding request is $2,500 and the maximum is $49,000.
Grant goals are to:
Strengthen Colorado’s statewide economic growth by championing a strong Colorado brand.
Advance the state’s competitive position as a leading four-season destination.
Support the promotion and education on responsible travel and destination stewardship.
Strive to ensure all feel represented and welcome in Colorado.
Maximize the economic return on public and private investments in Colorado by leveraging funds to optimize marketing impact.
Note: Starting in 2026, if your organization has been awarded a Tourism Marketing Grant for the past 3 consecutive years, you are required to “sit out” a year and will be ineligible to apply.

Eligibility

Eligible Colorado applicants include: Colorado destination marketing organizations (DMO’s)Example DMOs may include: Chambers of commerce or chamber resort associations.Destination marketing organizations (e.g. Convention & Visitors Bureau).Federally recognized tribes or local government entities in Colorado.Lodging tax boards, committees, or panels.Colorado statewide tourism industry associations Eligible projects must be new marketing campaigns or initiatives. Grants will not be awarded to fund existing marketing efforts unless the funds are for new initiatives or outcomes or you are expanding the program into new markets or media.

Ineligibility

Ineligible applicants include: For-profit organizations.Individual attractions, museums, or businesses.Regional tourism industry associations.State or federal government entities. Ineligible use of funds: Funding can not be used as a match for existing or future opportunitiesCTO paid opportunities, including advertising and co-op marketing opportunitiesGeneral administrative costs such as personnel costs, office supplies, website maintenance costsGrant writing or grant management costsItems for resale and gift cardsDonations, sponsorships, or charitable contributionsPromotional giveaways, souvenirs, wearables, and gifts (SWAG)Pre-award cost, expenses that were paid prior to the contract execution dateTravel expenses, except for trade show attendance, as specified aboveFood or alcoholic beveragesTourism-related projects that develop, enhance, or manage visitor experience in Colorado (review the Tourism Management Grant)