Destination Development Grant (ND)

Destination Development Grant (ND)

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: North Dakota Department of Commerce
Last Updated: July 28, 2025

Summary

The Destination Development Grant (ND) provides $15 million in funding to enhance tourism in North Dakota for the 2025-2027 biennium. It aims to develop new visitor experiences aligned with the state's identity, focusing on infrastructure for attractions that stimulate economic growth. Eligible projects include unique lodging, culinary experiences, and outdoor recreational venues. This program is designed to support projects that are ready for implementation, not for early-stage development.

Overview

Destination Development Grant (ND) PURPOSE The Destination Development Grant Program provides financial support for the development or expansion of tourism experiences and attractions that contribute to North Dakota’s economic growth and diversification. The program is designed to: Increase the number of unique visitor experiencesSupport workforce recruitment and retention Enhance the quality of life for North Dakota residents This grant is intended to fund infrastructure construction or the expansion of attractions and services that serve as anchor tourism destinations—projects that have the potential to stimulate and support additional tourism-related activities and businesses in the area. Funding is meant to advance projects toward completion, not to support early-stage planning or development. Eligible uses of funds may include (but are not limited to): Purchase or construction of new or existing tourism, recreation, entertainment, historic, or cultural attractionsInfrastructure investments that directly support tourismPurchase of equipment that is essential to the operation of a specific tourism project

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. TO QUALIFY, PROJECTS MUST FALL UNDER AT LEAST ONE OF THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES:AccommodationsProjects that provide lodging experiences distinct from traditional hotels, motels, or short-term homestays. These accommodations should offer memorable immersive experiences that reflect the culture, landscape, or history of the area. Examples include:Rehabilitation of historically significant structures unique to the area (e.g., a downtown boutique hotel).Lodging reflective of regional identity (e.g., ski lodge, glamping site, hunting or fishing lodge).Lodging built alongside a tourism attraction, where the attraction is the primary draw and exceeds the value of the lodging facility.Construction, restoration, or renovation of full-service lodging that is or will be integrated with major tourism assets such as an attraction, convention center, or sports facility.Culinary ExperiencesFood and beverage related attractions that enhance the visitor experience and celebrate local flavor.Breweries or wineries that include tours, tastings or event spaces.Themed destination restaurants developed as part of a larger tourism project.Cultural or regional cuisine experiences that highlight local heritage (e.g., Native American, Scandinavian, German Russian cuisine).Themed Education and Entertainment Attractions Culinary, Art, and Wellness ExperiencesCulinary tourism and food-based experiencesArt-focused attractions or installationsFitness and wellness retreatsThemed AttractionsArtist, author, or animal inspired attractionsInteractive or narrative-driven experiences Projects can be multi-use and multi-seasonal, serving multiple purposes and events within a community rather than being limited to a single use.Outdoor and Recreational VenuesParks and themed recreational spacesAdditional recreational activities that enhance tourism offeringsValue-Added Services Equipment rentals (e.g., bikes, kayaks, snowshoes)Guide and outfitter servicesCurated or complete experience packages for visitorsAgritourism AttractionsExperiences rooted in agriculture, rural culture or working farms that welcome visitors.Farm stays with educational tours, seasonal activities, or community events. Full-service guest ranches offering accommodations and programming.Ranches with event venues for conferences, weddings, or festivals.Focused Niche ActivitiesTourism offerings with a targeted theme or value-added service, often tied to place-based identity.Attractions with historical or cultural themes.Experiences catering to national or state parks visitors.Destinations that emphasize scenic beauty or natural features.Unique community-based amenities that enhance the local tourism appeal.