Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) Grant Program: New Events

Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) Grant Program: New Events

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Travel Wisconsin
Amount: Up to US $39,550
Last Updated: February 12, 2026

Summary

The Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) Grant Program supports Wisconsin nonprofit organizations in launching new events that stimulate local tourism and economic growth. Eligible projects must be innovative, generate increased visitor traffic, and have a funding strategy for future sustainability. Grants can cover up to 75% of promotional costs in the first year, with a maximum award of $39,550. This program is a vital resource for communities aiming to enhance their economic impact through strategic marketing initiatives.

Overview

NOTE: All JEM applications must be submitted at least 90 days prior to the first day of advertising that will be paid using JEM funds. About Us Wisconsin’s smallest cabinet agency makes a tremendous impact. At one half of one percent of the state budget and one half of one percent of the state workforce, the Department of Tourism markets Wisconsin as one of America’s premier travel destinations under the brand name Travel Wisconsin, supporting an industry that makes up more than 7 percent of the state’s gross domestic product. The team at Travel Wisconsin is honored to be joined by the Wisconsin Council on Tourism, our committee members and our industry partners to maintain tourism’s ranking as a top Wisconsin industry. Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) Grant Program The Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) Grant Program offers funding to make a promotion or event come to fruition. The grant reimburses Wisconsin nonprofit organizations for qualified promotional costs. There are five categories of JEM grants. New Events An event that has not previously been held in the area. It’s an event the applicant intends to repeat regularly and is a project beyond the scope of daily operations. Why You Should Apply A JEM grant is often a catalyst for communities, giving them the means to make an impact on their economy and create jobs for its residents.It could be just the thing to bring an idea to life.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. To be funded, projects must show that they will generate an increase in visitors and make a positive economic impact in the local area.New Events:Event that has not previously been held in the areaEvent must be intended to repeat regularly and show a built-in funding mechanism for future yearsMust be a project beyond the scope of daily operationsSubsequent year request should include references to previous yearProjects should also be able to show impact of additional leverage such as earned media, job creation, sponsorships, etc.Examples of eligible JEM promotional expenses include: e-mail marketing campaigns, magazines, newspapers,radio, TV, internet, direct mail, PR/media kits, and billboards.The maximum award is $39,550 and three years of funding are available.Year 2 and year 3 applications will not be reviewed before previous years evaluation has been submitted.The Department can reimburse up to 75 percent of a project’s first year eligible promotional costs (but no more than 50% of the total budget), 50% in year two and 25% in year three.Reimbursement will be made based on submittal of receipted vouchers of promotional expenses and matching funds. Final 10% of award dollars will not be released until final evaluation has been submitted.The advertising plan must be consistent with the current statewide marketing plan and target markets beyond the local area. We encourage projects that are creative and beyond the scope of what are normally offered by the organization.Advertising produced using JEM funding must acknowledge the financial support of the Wisconsin Department of Tourism. This is most often accomplished by including the Travel Wisconsin logo on print/electronic marketing.

Ineligibility

Examples of expenses JEM will not reimburse: operational costs (staff salaries, travel costs, facility rental, insurance, etc.), local advertising, posters and flyers that are not direct-mailed or street banners.