Nebraska Tourism Marketing Grant

The Nebraska Tourism Marketing Grant, administered by the Nebraska Tourism Commission, aims to boost tourism through innovative marketing initiatives. It supports both for-profit and nonprofit organizations in promoting attractions and hosting events that attract nonlocal visitors. Eligible projects include professional photography, group tour marketing, and participation in tourism seminars. Grants require a 25% match and prioritize projects that support diversity and inclusivity, ensuring a broad appeal to potential visitors.

Description of Program
The Nebraska Tourism Commission administers this grant program, per Nebraska Revised Statute 81-3725, to provide innovative tourism grants to communities or organizations that provide tourism and visitor promotion services, host events, or promote attractions which result in either an increased number of nonlocal, in-state visitors or an increased number of both nonlocal, in-state visitors and out-of-state visitors.
Directed-Marketing Projects eligible for funding under this grant cycle include items listed below:
Develop professional photography content to promote your destination or event to travelers. Need funding to create a photo library to use in print ads or online advertising? Grant funds can be utilized towards service fees of a professional photographer. Applicants are encouraged to develop diverse and inclusive photography, representing individuals of different races/ethnicities, genders, ages, abilities and/or body types. (Lodging and transportation costs are not eligible for grant funding, but they can represent matching funds.)Promote your community’s group tour destinations. Grant funds can assist with marketing efforts online and in select group tour magazines, development of group tour websites, as well as registration fees to attend (virtually or in-person) American Bus Association’s Marketplace, National Tour Association’s Travel Exchange, Select Traveler Conference, and Travel Alliance Partner’s TAP Dance. (Lodging, transportation and membership dues are not eligible for grant funding, but can represent matching funds.)Attend  ESTO. The US Travel Association’s Educational Seminar for Tourism Organizations is a national forum where destination marketing professionals gain critical tools to grow tourism in their area. Grant funds can assist with registration fees to attend virtually or in-person. (Lodging, transportation and membership dues are not eligible for grant funding, but can represent matching funds.)Advertise with Visit Nebraska between May 1, 2026 and April 30, 2027Purchase an ad in the Official Nebraska Travel Guide. The guide is the primary advertising response piece for Nebraska Tourism, and a cost-effective way to increase exposure to an audience interested in Nebraska travel. Participate in a Nebraska Tourism Commission sponsored social media blitz.
The Directed-Marketing projects above are recommended by the Tourism Commission this grant cycle and will be prioritized over Non-Directed-Marketing promotions in the application-review process.
If your community or organization wishes to participate in additional promotions not listed on the previous page, you can also request funding for non-directed marketing projects this grant cycle. Outline your needs in your application and include how, when, why, and where you plan to implement the tools.

Eligibility

Nebraska Tourism welcomes applicants from both for-profit and nonprofit organizations, and encourages ideas in support of diversity, equity and inclusivity for all.No more than one grant will be awarded in the grant period to any grantee applying for a grant independently, but the same grantee can participate in a cooperative activity awarded a grant. For example, a convention and visitors bureau can receive a grant by itself and additionally be in a group of convention and visitor bureaus jointly applying for, and receiving, a grant.A federal identification number is required in the submittal of an application. All grantees must provide at least a 25% match. At least half (12.5%) must be cash spent towards the project, the other half (12.5%) can be in-kind services and/or donated materials towards the project; however, documentation must be provided for any in-kind match. Volunteer work is valued at $10/hour and must be documented, including dates and list of volunteers, the services they provided and their hours of service.Nonprofit organizations who cannot meet the match requirement can qualify for grant funds by including hardship financial documentation in their application, describing their financial situation and budget.Eligible grant expenses include, but are not limited to: Internet website development, enhancement and online marketing App development and enhancement Regional cooperation promotions, brand creation/planningImage marketing (photo/film libraries, logo/ad development, new artwork) Tourism awareness programs and customer service programsBrochure design and printingMedia advertising (TV, radio, newspaper, magazine, billboard, etc.)

Ineligibility

Federal and State government agencies are not eligible to apply for grant funds. The following expenses are NOT eligible for grant funding: Equipment or capital facility development or improvements Food, lodging, mileage and transportation costs Telephone expenses, postage and handling expenses Brochure racksEnvelopes, letterhead, business cards and miscellaneous office suppliesMembership dues, salaries Talent/dignitary honorariums or awards Physical construction of billboards/physical construction of roadway signageGift cards, t-shirts and items for resale