International Tourism Grant Program

International Tourism Grant Program

Details

• Agency: Commerce And Econ Opp
• CSFA Number: 420-25-1607
• Program: International Tourism Grant Program
• Announcement Type: Initial
• Assistance Type: Grant
• Estimated Total Funding: 346052.00
• Anticipated Awards: 5
• Cost Sharing: Yes
• Indirect Costs: No
• Funding Source: State

Application Period: 09/18/2026 - 10/19/2026 : 5:00 PM

Technical Assistance: No

Apply here: https://dceo.illinois.gov/aboutdceo/grantopportunities/1607-4336.html

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Application Documents

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State of Illinois Uniform Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)
Summary Information
Awarding Agency Name Commerce And Econ Opp
Agency Contact Dana Huston (ceo.tourismgrants@illinois.gov)
Announcement Type Initial
Type of Assistance Instrument Grant
Funding Opportunity Number FY27-2
Funding Opportunity Title International Tourism Grant Program
CSFA Number 420-25-1607
CSFA Popular Name International Tourism Grant Program
Anticipated Number of Awards 5
Estimated Total Program Funding $346,052
Award Range $10000 - $200000
Source of Funding State
Cost Sharing or Matching Yes
Requirements
Indirect Costs Allowed No
Restrictions on Indirect Costs No
Posted Date 09/18/2026
Application Date Range 09/18/2026 - 10/19/2026 : 5:00 PM
Grant Application Link Please select the entire address below and paste it into the browser...
https://dceo.illinois.gov/aboutdceo/grantopportunities/1607-4336.html
Technical Assistance Session No

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Agency-specific Content for the Notice of Funding Opportunity
International Tourism Grant Program
NOFO ID: 1607-4336
For information about grants please visit:
https://dceo.illinois.gov/dceo-grants.html
A. Program Description
1. Notice of Funding Opportunity Intent
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (the “Department” or “DCEO”) is issuing
this Notice of Funding Opportunity (“NOFO”) to provide grants to certified convention and visitors bureaus
outside the City of Chicago to assist with international marketing efforts.
2. Program History
This program was funded again in FY26 after being suspended during and after the Pandemic, and
eleven (11) grants were awarded. This grant program is a partnership between the DCEO Office of
Tourism and the certified convention and visitors bureaus to maintain a coordinated Illinois effort in
international markets.
In 2024, Illinois hosted nearly 2.2 million international visitors. We are hopeful to see growth from our
international markets and these grants will help us achieve those goals.
3. Program Description
Section 605-707 of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois (International Tourism Program) [20 ILCS
605/605-707] authorizes the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Office of Tourism, to
award grants and work in cooperation with certified local tourism and convention bureaus outside the City
of Chicago that demonstrate their international tourism appeal and request to develop or expand their
international tourism marketing program. These grants are payable from the International Tourism Fund.
The International Tourism Grant Program is important to the State of Illinois' tourism industry to
match/leverage local funds with State funds to promote destinations that are of interest to international
travelers. The goal of the program is to increase international travel to Illinois by our identified target
markets.
Priority funding will be given to those areas with an extensive international product including bookable
product with both receptive tour operators and international tour operators. This would include product in
tour operator brochures and promotional material. Priority will also be given to those areas with state and
national parks, national forests, scenic byways and have sites of historic and cultural significance.
4. Cost Sharing or Matching
Each grantee shall provide matching funds equal to no less than 50% of the grant amount. If grantee fails
to match any portion of the grant award in a given Fiscal Year, that portion of the grant shall be refunded
to the Department in accordance with the terms of the Grant Agreement. In-kind contributions shall not
exceed 25% of the matching funds (See Section 555.70 of Title 14 of the Administrative Rules for eligible
types of matching funds).
Section 555.70 Matching Funds
a) The Grantee shall provide Matching Funds to be expended towards the Total Project Cost that are:
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NOFO ID: 1607-4336
1) Under the control of the Grantee. For purposes of the Grant, control shall mean that the
Grantee can successfully demonstrate the following control and accountability requirements:
A) The Grantee's chief executive officer maintains responsibility for establishing review
and approval policies and procedures with respect to the Grantee's daily operations; and
B) The Grantee's chief executive officer has approval authority for expenses charged to
the Grantee's operating budget and approval over the Grantee expenses attributable to
the Grant. Within this requirement, the Grantee's chief executive officer must be the
person that reviews and approves the payment of invoices related to the grant and match
expenditures.
2) Identified in the Applicant's grant application for the applicable Fiscal Year.
3) Expended during the applicable grant award period.
4) Supported by records of deposit and documentation of Eligible Expenditures.
5) Necessary and irrevocably obligated and used towards completion of the Project.
b) Each Grantee shall provide matching funds equal to no less than 50% of the Grant Amount. If Grantee
fails to match any portion of the grant award in a given Fiscal Year, that portion of the grant shall be
refunded to the Department in accordance with the terms of the Grant Agreement. In-kind contributions
shall not exceed 25% of Matching Funds.
c) Allowable Matching Funds include:
1) Local hotel/motel taxes;
2) Membership dues;
3) Interest earned on local monies and Grant Funds;
4) Cash contributions;
5) Federal dollars deposited directly to the Grantee for tourism promotion purposes that do not
require a match; and
6) In-kind Contributions necessary to complete the Project. In-kind Contributions shall not exceed
25% of the match requirement.
d) Ineligible Match: The following monies shall not be considered Matching Funds and may not be used
as a match for Grant Funds:
1) Costs incurred or funds expended outside the grant term identified in the Grant Agreement
unless those costs are approved by the Director as otherwise being compliant with this Part and
consistent with the purposes of the Statute;
2) Funds from any other Department funded grant program, regardless of whether the other grant
funds were awarded and expended to further the Project;
3) Funds used to match any other State and/or federal grants;
4) Penalties, fines, late payment fees or interest charges; and
5) Purchase of alcohol beverages.
5. Allowable and Unallowable Activities
See Section A.6.
6. Allowable and Unallowable Costs
Expenditures and activities for which grant funds can be utilized by Grantees located outside Chicago
include, but are not limited to, the following:
a) Eligible Expenditures, including, but not limited to, brochures that target international markets,
advertising, web site development and maintenance, in-country trade representations, familiarization
tours, trade shows, sales missions, translation services, research, promotional items, technical
assistance, training, association fees, travel expenses, and salaries for international program staff
performing duties set forth in the Grant Agreement's scope of work.
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NOFO ID: 1607-4336
b) Ineligible Expenditures include, but are not limited to, the purchase of equipment, administrative
expenses, salaries not associated with international activities and the purchase of alcoholic beverages.
7. Prior Incurred Costs
Pre award, or prior incurred costs, are allowable if they are incurred on or after July 1, 2026.
8. Payment Methodology
Variable Advance/Remainder based on cash needs/reimbursement. Upon receiving the NOSA, grantees
may request that an advance of up to two months' worth of expenditure be incorporated into the grant
agreement. Whether to include such an advance in the grant agreement will be determined on a case-by-
case basis and at the sole discretion of the Department.
9. Relevant Program-Specific Rules and Regulations
Illinois General Assembly – Administrative Code:
https://www.ilga.gov/agencies/JCAR/Sections?PartID=01400555&TitleDescription=TITLE%2014:%
20COMMERCE
10. Performance Goals and Measures
Applicant must identify performance measurements they will use to identify successful marketing
outcomes. Such as:
1. Number of international media and trade hosted on familiarization tours.
2. Number of international media placements as a result of public relations efforts including the number of
impressions and media value.
3.Number of international advertisements placed and results.
4. Number of tour operators that carry your product and in what markets.
5. Number of bookings achieved with tour operators based on promotions.
11. Other Information
N/A
B. Funding Information
This grant program is utilizing state funds appropriated by Public Act 104-0464. The total amount of
funding expected to be awarded through this NOFO is $346,052. Awards will range from $10,000 to
$200,000. The Department expects to make 3-5 awards through this NOFO.
The period of performance is expected to be 7/1/2026 through June 30, 2027
Applications for this opportunity will be accepted on a first come first serve rolling bases until 1) funds are
exhausted or 2) January 31, 2027 @ 5pm CST, whichever occurs first.
1. Indirect Cost Rate.
Indirect costs are not allowed for this opportunity.
C. Eligibility Information
An entity must be registered in the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Grantee Portal
(https://grants.illinois.gov/portal/) at the time of grant application.
The portal will verify that the entity:
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NOFO ID: 1607-4336
• Has a valid FEIN number (https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-
employed/get-an-employer-identification-number)
• Has a current SAM.gov registration (https://sam.gov). SAM.gov registrations must be marked as
“public” to allow the GATA Grantee Portal to expedite the review of the federal information
• Has a valid UEI number (https://sam.gov)
• Is not on the Federal Excluded Parties List (https://sam.gov)
• Is in Good Standing with the Illinois Secretary of State, as applicable
(https://www.ilsos.gov/departments/business_services/corp.html)
• Is not on the Illinois Stop Payment list
• Is not on the Department of Healthcare and Family Services Provider Sanctions list
(https://www.illinois.gov/hfs/oig/Pages/SanctionsList.aspx)
Entities on the Illinois Stop Payment List and/or the Federal Excluded Parties List at time of application
submission will not be considered for an award.
An automated email notification to the entity alerts them of “qualified” status or informs how to remediate
a negative verification (e.g., not in good standing with the Secretary of State).
Currently, federal memo M-21-20 allows entities to apply for grant awards without a valid UEI number.
The UEI number must be obtained prior to grant execution. The State of Illinois has adopted this
guidance for the issuance of state awards also.
Pursuant to the policy of the Illinois Office of the Comptroller, to receive grant funds from the State of
Illinois, a grantee must be considered a regarded entity by the IRS for federal income tax purposes.
Disregarded entities will not be eligible to receive grant funds.
The Department complies with all applicable provisions of state and federal laws and regulations
pertaining to nondiscrimination, sexual harassment and equal employment opportunity including, but not
limited to: The Illinois Human Rights Act (775 ILCS 5/1-101 et seq.), The Public Works Employment
Discrimination Act (775 ILCS 10/1 et seq.), The United States Civil Rights Act of 1964 (as amended) (42
USC 2000a-and 2000H-6), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 USC 794), The Americans
with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 USC 12101 et seq.), and The Age Discrimination Act (42 USC 6101 et
seq.).
1. Eligible Applicants include:
• Corporation – Not For Profit
• Government Entity
That are specifically designated a Local Tourism and Convention Bureau certified by the Department to
receive funds under 20 ILCS 605/705 and located outside the City of Chicago.
2. Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and System for Award Management (SAM)
Each applicant (unless the applicant is exempt from those requirements under 2 CFR 25.110 or has an
exception approved by the State) must:
• Be registered in SAM.gov. SAM.gov registrations must be set to “public.”
• Provide a valid UEI number in the GATA Grantee Portal registration.
• Continue to maintain an active SAM.gov registration with current information at all times during
which it has an active Federal, Federal pass-through or State award. DCEO may not make a
Federal pass-through or State award to an applicant until the applicant has complied with all
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NOFO ID: 1607-4336
applicable UEI and SAM requirements and, if an applicant has not fully complied with the
requirements by the time DCEO is ready to make a Federal pass-through or State award, the
DCEO may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive a Federal pass-through or
State award and use that determination as a basis for making a Federal pass-through or State
award to another applicant.
3. Other
Applicants may submit one (1) application for this opportunity.
D. Application and Submission Information
1. Address to Request Application Package.
Grant application forms are available at the web link provided in the “Grant Application Link” field of this
announcement or by contacting the Program Manager:
Greg Mihalich
Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity
1011 S. 2nd Street
Springfield, IL 62704
Tele: 217-299-1323
Email: ceo.tourismgrants@illinois.gov
2. Content and Form of Application Submission
A standard application package must be submitted and reviewed by the Department. Each package
should contain the following items:
Uniform Grant Application in fillable PDF format
☐

Signature page must be signed by the authorized signatory before submission

Can be printed, signed, and scanned
o
Can be signed digitally
o
☐ Uniform Budget utilizing the template provided by DCEO for this project

The entire Excel document with all the tabs included, even if the tabs are not relevant to

the grant opportunity, must be submitted

Do not send a restricted version of the Uniform Budget

Certification page must be signed by the authorized signatory before submission

Can be printed, signed, and scanned
o
Can be signed digitally
o
☐ Conflict of Interest Disclosure

Conflict of Interest Disclosure must be signed by the authorized signatory before

submission
Can be printed, signed, and scanned
o
Can be signed digitally
o
☐ Mandatory Disclosure

Mandatory Disclosure must be signed by the authorized signatory before submission

Can be printed, signed, and scanned
o
Can be signed digitally
o
This Notice of Funding Opportunity also requires the submission of the following other programmatic
specific items as part of a program application:
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NOFO ID: 1607-4336
☐ Program Application
Please note there is a maximum upload of 10 documents in the web form that you submit the application,
so combining files may be necessary.
Documents stored in Google Docs or other cloud-based servers are not allowed.
3. Submission Dates and Times
Applications for this opportunity will be accepted on a first come first serve rolling bases until 1) funds are
exhausted or 2) January 31, 2027 @ 5pm CST, whichever occurs first.
Application materials must be submitted to the Department via electronic form at
https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/60eaa584a01e4572a00f1fb9c9562389.
The Department has no obligation to review applications that do not comply with the above requirements.
Failure to meet the application deadline may result in the Department returning application without review
or may preclude the Department from making the award.
4. Other Submission Requirements
The applicant can receive a copy of their submitted application by checking the “Send me a copy of my
responses” box at the bottom of the application submission form.
Applicants may confirm receipt of the application and documents by contacting the program contact listed
in this NOFO.
5. Freedom of Information Act/Confidential Information
Applications and accompanying materials are subject to disclosure in response to requests received
under provisions of the Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/1 et seq.). Information that could be
proprietary, privileged, or confidential commercial or financial information should be clearly identified as
such in the application materials. The Department will maintain the confidentiality of that information only
to the extent permitted by law.
E. Application Review Information
1. Criteria
Grant proposals will be reviewed on a competitive basis. Each proposal will be scored on a 100 point
scale. The Department shall consider the following criteria when evaluating the application submittal:
Need, Capacity, and Quality.
Need- Identification of stakeholders, facts, and evidence that demonstrate the proposal
supports the grant program’s purpose
Proposal clearly addresses how the project will increase international visitation and 10 Points
is part of an overall marketing plan based on research to identify opportunities
Application provided information describing the attractions they have such as state
and national parks, national forest, scenic byways or historical or culturally
significant attractions of interest to international visitors.
Proposal identified previous marketing efforts that were successful or based upon 10 Points
research to increase international visitors to the area.
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NOFO ID: 1607-4336
Capacity- The ability of the applicant to execute the project according to requirements of the
grant program
Applicant demonstrated that they are visitor ready for international guests from the 10 Points
identified markets.
Applicant demonstrated the ability and quality of systems/methodologies to track 10 Points
and measure the performance of the project and identified past results of those
international efforts.
Quality- The totality of features and characteristics of the project that indicate its ability to
satisfy the requirements of the grant program
Proposal supported and augmented the international tourism efforts of the Illinois 10 Points
Office of Tourism by planning to work within the opportunities presented.
The proposal demonstrated the potential interest or proven interest for the 10 Points
international markets selected by showing past results or providing information as
to attractions that would be of interest to these markets
The project identified in the application will have an impact on the area’s overall 10 Points
tourism efforts.
The project identified in the application will have an impact on the State’s overall 10 Points
tourism efforts.
Application identified the performance measures that will be used to evaluate the 10 Points
projects effectiveness and return on investment
Applicant provided extensive detail that demonstrated project outcomes that are 10 Points
attainable and viable.
2. Feedback
Applicants are responsible for ensuring that all required documents and information are complete and
accurate at the time of submission. DCEO will not request or accept corrections, updates, or additional
materials after the submission deadline. All applications will be evaluated based solely on the materials
received by the deadline.
3. Review and Selection Process
Applications will be graded using the Merit Review Process and scored on the criteria specified in Section
E.1. The Department will designate an Evaluation Committee to grade each application received for this
funding opportunity. Applications will be graded on a rolling basis in order of receipt using the Merit
Review Process and scored on the criteria specified in Section E.1 of the NOFO. The Department will
designate an Evaluation Committee to grade applications received for this funding opportunity. The final
score of each Committee member will be calculated and an average of all scores will be the final
applicant score. Grants will be awarded on a first come first serve rolling bases until 1) funds are
exhausted or 2) January 31, 2027 @ 5pm CST, whichever occurs first. An Application’s final score must
be at least 50 of 100 possible points to be considered eligible for funding. The internal review committee
shall forward eligible Application(s), together with its recommendations, to the Director for final review and
determination. During the final review process, the Director will determine whether an eligible Application
is awarded a grant. The Department may also consider geographical dispersion when making
recommendations for grant awards to ensure adequate statewide representation.
The Merit Based Review process is subject to appeal per
https://dceo.illinois.gov/aboutdceo/grantopportunities/meritappreview.html. However, competitive
grant appeals are limited to the evaluation process. Evaluation scores may not be protested. Only the
evaluation process is subject to appeal. The appeal must be submitted through the merit review appeal
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NOFO ID: 1607-4336
request form (https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/6444bed39ef140c589f002f53b9bc092) within 14
calendar days after the date that the grant award notice has been published.
4. Anticipated Announcement and State Award Dates
After the application period is closed, the Department will conduct a merit review of eligible
applications. Successful applicants will receive a Notice of State Award (NOSA) to initiate the grant
agreement phase. During this phase, you will be contacted by a grant manager to develop a grant
agreement, which can be a months long process depending on complexity, cooperation, and conformity
with all applicable federal and state laws.
The Department reserves the right to issue a reduced award, or not to issue any award.
F. Award Administration Information
1. State Award Notices
The Notice of State Award (NOSA) will specify the funding terms and specific conditions resulting from
the pre-award risk assessments and the merit review process. The NOSA must be accepted in the GATA
Portal by an authorized representative of the grantee organization. The NOSA is not an authorization to
begin performance or incur costs.
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
Subrecipients and Subcontractors: Agreement(s) and budget(s) with subrecipients and subcontractors
must be pre-approved by and on file with DCEO. Agreements can be submitted to DCEO when
available. Subcontractors and subrecipients are subject to all applicable provisions of the Agreement(s)
executed between DCEO and the grantee. The successful applicant shall retain sole responsibility for the
performance of its subrecipient(s) and/or subcontractor(s).
Grant Uniform Requirements: The Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (30 ILCS 708/1 et seq.)
(and its related administrative rules, 44 Ill. Admin. Code Part 7000), was enacted to increase the
accountability and transparency in the use of grant funds from whatever source and to reduce
administrative burdens on both State agencies and grantees by adopting federal guidance and
regulations applicable to those grant funds; specifically, the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost
Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (2 CFR 200).
Procurement: Grantees will be required to adhere to methods of procurement per the Procurement
Standards (2 CFR 200.317 – 2 CFR 200.327).
Business Enterprise Program: For grant awards of $250,000 or more, grantees will be required to
comply with the Business Enterprise Program for Minorities, Females, and Persons with Disabilities Act
(30 ILCS 575/0.01 et seq.), which establishes a goal for contracting with businesses that have been
certified as owned and controlled by persons who are minority, female or who have disabilities. The
Department will work with the grantees to ensure compliance prior to the establishment of the grant
agreement as well as through the life of the grant.
3. Reporting.
Periodic Performance Report (PPR) and Periodic Financial Report (PFR)
Grantees funded through this NOFO are required to submit in the format required by the Grantor, at least
on a quarterly basis, the PPR and PFR electronically to their assigned grant manager. The first of such
reports shall cover the first three months after the award begins. Pursuant to 2 CFR 200.328, Periodic
Financial Reports shall be submitted no later than 30 calendar days following the period covered by the
report. Pursuant to 2 CFR 200.329, Periodic Performance Reports shall be submitted no later than 30
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NOFO ID: 1607-4336
calendar days following the period covered by the report. Any additional reporting requirements will be
disclosed in the NOSA. Grantees are required within 45 calendar days following the end of the period of
performance to submit a final closeout report in the format required by the Grantor (See 2 CFR 200.344).
Monitoring
Grantees funded through this NOFO are subject to fiscal and programmatic monitoring visits by the
Department in accordance with 2 CFR 200.337. They must have an open-door policy allowing periodic
visits by Department monitors to evaluate the progress of the project and provide documentation upon
request of the monitor. Program staff will also maintain contact with participants and monitor progress and
performance of the contracts. The Department may modify grants based on performance.
Audit
Grantees shall be subject to Illinois’ statewide Audit Report Review requirements. Terms of the Single
Audit Act Amendments of 1996 (31 USC 7501-7507), Subpart F of 2 CFR Part 200, and the audit rules
set forth under the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act Admin Rules shall apply (See 44 IL Admin
Code 7000.90).
4. State Awarding Agency Contact
DCEO Grant Help Desk
Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity
Email: CEO.GrantHelp@illinois.gov
G. Other Information
The release of this NOFO does not obligate the Department to make an award.
Please visit the following website for instructional videos that guide applicants through each step of
applying for and administering a grant:
(https://dceo.illinois.gov/aboutdceo/grantopportunities/learning-library.html)
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