Marketing Partnership Program - Balance of State

Application Period: 05/18/2026 - 06/17/2026 : 5:00PM

Technical Assistance: Offered : Yes; Mandatory : No; Date : 05/26/2026 : 2:00 PM; Registration link : https://illinois.webex.com/illinois/j.php?MTID=ma6406e7ab60877b95c627a25e1cfb6f4

Apply here: https://dceo.illinois.gov/aboutdceo/grantopportunities/2087-4279.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 FY27-1
Funding Opportunity Title Marketing Partnership Program - Balance of State
CSFA Number 420-25-2087
CSFA Popular Name Marketing Partnership Program - Balance of State
Anticipated Number of Awards 0
Estimated Total Program Funding $1,250,000
Award Range $10000 - $100000
Source of Funding State
Cost Sharing or Matching Yes
Requirements
Indirect Costs Allowed No
Restrictions on Indirect Costs No
Posted Date 05/18/2026
Application Date Range 05/18/2026 - 06/17/2026 : 5:00PM
Grant Application Link Please select the entire address below and paste it into the browser...
https://dceo.illinois.gov/aboutdceo/grantopportunities/2087-4279.html
Technical Assistance Session Offered : Yes
Mandatory : No
Date : 05/26/2026 : 2:00 PM
Registration link :
https://illinois.webex.com/illinois/j.php?MTID=ma6406e7ab60877b95c
627a25e1cfb6f4

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Agency-specific Content for the Notice of Funding Opportunity
Marketing Partnership Program – Balance of State
NOFO ID: 2087-4279
For information about grants please visit:
https://dceo.illinois.gov/dceo-grants.html
A. Program Description
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 match/leverage local funds with State funds to market and
promote destinations, tourism attractions and tourism events throughout the State. The goal of the
program is to increase overnight stays in paid accommodations.
Program Description
Section 5 of the Illinois Promotion Act [20 ILCS 665/1 et seq.] authorizes the Department of Commerce
and Economic Opportunity to award grants to counties, municipalities, not-for-profit organizations, and
local promotion groups for the promotion of tourism attractions, destinations and tourism events in Illinois.
This particular opportunity is for projects outside Cook County. The complementary program for projects
within Cook County is NOFO #: 2097-4280.
Program History
This is an existing program last funded through FY26.
Performance Goals and Measures
Examples of program goals or performance measures include:
1. Visitors to a region or area (measured by tickets sold (for events)
2. Increase in sales tax revenue compared to previous year
3. Increase in hotel tax revenue compared to previous year
4. Advertising conversion.
Other Information
N/A
B. Funding Information
Total amount of funding expected to be awarded through this NOFO is $1,250,000. Awards will range
from $10,000 to $100,000, unless a project is a cooperative marketing project initiated by the Department
that includes multiple partners across multiple Local Tourism Convention Bureau jurisdictions.
The Department expects to make between 13 and 125 awards through this NOFO.
The period of performance is expected to be date of grant execution through June 30, 2027.
The Total Project Cost must equal or exceed $20,000 in order to be considered for a grant award.
Up to 50 percent of the Total Project Cost may be funded for Projects that generate significant visitation
and overnight stays to the area.
Grantees that charge "for-profit" participants for inclusion in promotional projects must also include the
promotion of the entire destination in advertisements. Charges for participation from any source cannot
exceed the match requirement or it will lower the Department's grant award.

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NOFO ID: 2087-4279
Payment Provision
This program allows a Grantee to request a working capital advance. Grantee will complete an Estimated
Expenditure Schedule for review and determination of advance amount.
Eligible Promotional Projects and Activities
The Program shall provide matching grants to eligible Applicants to assist in promotional activities
including, but not limited to, the following:
1) Travel Related Promotional Materials: Costs related to production, design and distribution of
travel related brochures, visitor guides, direct mail literature or travel guides that are primarily
used to promote areas outside of 50 miles from the Tourism Attractions, Tourism Destinations or
Tourism Events in Illinois
2) Media: Costs related to production, design and placement for print advertising, radio advertising,
on line advertising, out of home advertising and television advertising directed toward areas
outside of 50 miles from the Tourism Attraction, Tourism Destination or Tourism Event in Illinois;
3) Billboards: Costs related to design and production of billboard artwork and rental of billboard
space directed toward areas outside of 30 miles from the Tourism Attraction, Tourism Destination
or Tourism Event in Illinois, unless the billboard is placed on an intrastate;
4) Web Sites: Costs related to Web site development, including hosting fees, domain registration
and related maintenance fees, search engine optimization and key word searches;
5) Market Research: Costs to conduct research to optimize the effectiveness of marketing the
tourism Attraction, Tourism Destination or Tourism Event in Illinois to areas outside of 50 miles;
6) Travel/Trade Shows: Costs related to travel/trade show booth space rental and related expenses,
including travel show registration fees for domestic and international marketing, utilities, furniture
rental, cleaning, etc.;
7) Visitor Inquiries: Costs related to telephone expenses for toll free telephone numbers for visitor
inquiries;
8) Mail Promotions: Costs of the purchase and use of mailing lists for direct mail promotions,
provided the promotional material is printed under this Program and provided the postage is billed
at bulk rate;
9) Promotional Publications: Expenses for shipping and distribution of promotional publications
printed under this Program to State funded Tourism information centers;
10) Ad Campaigns: Costs related to email newsletters and ad mail campaigns primarily directed
towards visitors outside a 50 mile radius from the Tourism Attraction, Tourism Destination or
Tourism Event in Illinois; and
11) Maps: Costs related to the design and production of maps illustrating the Tourism Attractions of
an area being promoted.
Ineligible promotional projects and activities are those that do not contribute to increasing
visitation and travel expenditures in Illinois, including, but not limited to:
1) Administrative expenses (e.g., stationery, envelopes, basic telephone service charges except for
toll free number phone expenses for visitor inquiries, rent, newsletters, supplies, personnel or
equipment, and grant management fees);
2) Normal postage, distribution and shipping expenses, except for those allowed in subsections (8)
and (9) (above);
3) Association or organizational dues;
4) Street banners, bumper stickers, placements or any type of specialty item;
5) Any type of quick-print material/flyer;
6) Purchase or rental of av equipment;
7) Projects solely promoting for-profit entities;
8) Event production expenses(e.g., audio equipment, awards, entertainment, fireworks, portable
restrooms, hired labor, refreshments, etc.);
9) Travel expenses (transportation, lodging, per diem; and
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NOFO ID: 2087-4279
10) Promotion of county fairs.
Pre award, or prior incurred costs, are allowable if they are incurred on or after July 1, 2026.
The release of this NOFO does not obligate the Department to make an award.
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:
• 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 (verified at 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 (verified once entity is registered in GATA Grantee Portal);
and
• 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). A federal Debarred and
Suspended status cannot be remediated.
At this time, 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.
1. Eligible Applicants include:
• Counties located outside Cook County
• Municipalities located outside Cook County
• Not-for-profit organizations located outside Cook County
• Local promotion groups located outside of Cook County that includes any non-profit
corporation, organization, association, agency or committee thereof formed for the
primary purpose of publicizing, promoting, advertising or otherwise encouraging the
development of tourism in any municipality, county, or region of Illinois
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
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NOFO ID: 2087-4279
(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.).
2. Cost Sharing or Matching.
The grantee shall provide matching funds to the Total Project Costs that:
a) Are identified in the budget of the Grant Agreement;
b) In no case shall be less than 50 percent of the Total Project Cost;
c) Are not funds from other Department funded grant programs or funds used to match any
other grants; and
d) Are necessary and irrevocably obligated to the Project.
In-Kind Contributions are not allowed as match.
3. Indirect Cost Rate.
Indirect costs are not eligible for this program.
4. 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.
5. Other, if applicable.
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:
Dana Huston
Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity
1011 South 2nd St.
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 to and reviewed by DCEO. Each package
must 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.
☐
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NOFO ID: 2087-4279
 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 the program application:
☐ 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.
3. Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and System for Award Management (SAM).
Each applicant (unless the applicant is an individual or Federal or State awarding agency that is
exempt from those requirements under 2 CFR 25.110(b) or (c), or has an exception approved by
the Federal or State awarding agency under 2 CFR 25.110(d)) is required to:
(i) Be registered in SAM. To establish a SAM registration, go to https://sam.gov and/or utilize
this instructional link: How to Register in SAM from the gata.illinois.gov Resource Library
tab. SAM.gov registrations must be “public.”
(ii) Provide a valid UEI number in the GATA Grantee Portal registration.
(iii) Continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during
which it has an active Federal, Federal pass-through or State award or an application or plan
under consideration by a Federal or State awarding agency. The State awarding agency may
not make a Federal pass-through or State award to an applicant until the applicant has
complied with all applicable UEI and SAM requirements and, if an applicant has not fully
complied with the requirements by the time the State awarding agency is ready to make a
Federal pass-through or State award, the State awarding agency 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.
4. Submission Dates and Times.
Applications for this opportunity must be submitted by June 17th, 2026 at 5:00 PM.
Application materials must be submitted to the Department via electronic form at
https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/98004fd3a60943e4b7f785f4ab48bd6a.
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NOFO ID: 2087-4279
The Department is under 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.
5. Intergovernmental Review, if applicable.
N/A
6. Funding Restrictions.
This opportunity does allow reimbursement of pre-award costs if they are incurred on or after July
1, 2026. Other restrictions can be found in Sections A., B., and C.
7. Other Submission Requirements.
Documents stored in Google Docs or other cloud-based servers are not allowed.
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.
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 (or on a percentage 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 purpose
To what extent is the Project part of the applicant’s overall marketing plan and 10 points
based on research. Use marketing data to support need for the project.
To what extent does the Project include repeat marketing efforts and to what 10 points
extent do the results from those efforts justify repeat funding.
Capacity- The ability of the applicant to execute the project according to requirements
of the grant program
To what extent does the Project promote a viable tourism attraction, tourism 10 Points
destination or tourism event located within 30 miles of an area with supporting
visitor services.
To what extent does the Project include tracking, evaluation measures, and 10 Points
match source availability? Please include along with performance
measurements.
Quality- The totality of features and characteristics of the project that indicate its ability
to satisfy the requirements of the grant program
To what extent do the geographic advertising markets appear reasonable and 10 Points
based upon research to drive overnight stays.
To what extent does Project demonstrate how it will increase visitation, length 10 Points
of stay and/or tourism expenditures from outside of 50 miles.
To what extent will the Project have a significant impact on the area's overall 10 Points
tourism efforts.
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NOFO ID: 2087-4279
To what extent will the Project have a significant impact on the State's overall 10 Points
tourism efforts.
To what extent does the Project encompass multiple attractions, municipalities, 10 Points
or geographic areas. Provide a brief description of those attractions/areas.
To what extent will the marketing be targeted to attract visitors from outside 50 10 Points
miles to stay overnight.
2. 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. 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 in
order from highest score to lowest scores until funding is exhausted. An applicant’s final score
must be at least 60 points to be considered eligible for funding. Geographic Dispersion may be
considered when determining funding recommendations.
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 request form
(https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/6444bed39ef140c589f002f53b9bc092) within 14 calendar
days after the date that the grant award notice has been published.
3. Anticipated Announcement and State Award Dates, if applicable.
After the application period is closed, the Department will conduct a meritbased 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-based 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
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NOFO ID: 2087-4279
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).
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 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).
G. State Awarding Agency Contact(s)
Grant Help Desk
Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity
Email: CEO.GrantHelp@illinois.gov
H. Other Information, if applicable
N/A
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