Visit Eau Claire Tourism Grant Program

Visit Eau Claire Tourism Grant Program

Funder: Visit Eau Claire, a non-stock, not-for-profit private corporation

Geographic Scope: Eau Claire area, Wisconsin, US

Program Purpose: The Tourism Grant Program assists organizations with tourism marketing, promotion, attractions, special events, and festivals that foster local economic impact and increase destination appeal. The primary goal is to generate measurable overnight visitation and extend visitor stays in the Eau Claire area.

Status: Currently operating as a pilot initiative for the April 2026 application cycle; updates or adjustments may be introduced ahead of the November cycle.

Focus Areas & Priorities

The program prioritizes projects that:

Open new markets or reach audiences outside the Eau Claire region

Demonstrate incremental tourism demand (growth) beyond prior years

Target off-peak/shoulder seasons (lower-occupancy periods receive greater consideration)

For events within the City of Eau Claire, align with City of Eau Claire's Strategic Goals (additional consideration given)

Eligible Applicants

• For-profit organizations
• Non-profit organizations
• Volunteer-managed groups
• Individuals
• Requirement: Must have valid tax ID number and bank account (individual/personal SSN and bank accounts not accepted)
• Match: All grants encouraged to be matched on dollar-for-dollar basis; matching funds may include cash and/or in-kind contributions

Eligible Activities

To be competitive, projects must be time-limited, seasonal, or pilot programs that are open to the public. Priority given to:

New Events: Festivals, sporting tournaments, conventions, or performance series

Significant Expansions: Adding event days, new ticketed experiences, or new attractions to existing events that measurably increase out-of-region attendance

First-Time Visitor Experiences: Guided tours, pilot programming, or unique attractions designed to drive overnight travel

Expanded/Reimagined Components: Applicants must clearly articulate how project is materially different from prior years and advances tourism beyond standard programming

Ineligible Activities

• Recurring annual events without meaningful expansion or tourism growth
• Routine operating expenses, staffing, or administrative costs
• Organizations that discriminate based on race, color, creed, gender, national origin, or limited participation
• Political organizations, candidates for political office, and organizations whose primary purpose is to influence legislation
• Individuals and organizations that have not fulfilled previous grant award requirements
• Capital improvements/renovations (unless directly tied to new visitor initiative)

Application Review Process

Grant Committee: Visit Eau Claire Grant Committee reviews and evaluates applications; final approval granted by Visit Eau Claire Board of Directors

Completeness Review: Grant Administrator reviews applications when submitted for completeness; clarifications requested as needed with applicants; late or incomplete applications not accepted

Evaluation Criteria (Weighted):

Overnight visitation & Tourism Impact: 25%

Incremental Growth & Market Expansion: 20%

Timing & Seasonality: 20%

Community Partnerships: 15%

Feasibility & Planning: 10%

Sustainability & Future Potential: 10%

Funding Disbursement

• Timing: Grant funds dispersed post-event following submission and approval of final event evaluation report documenting project impact
• Cancellation: If funded event is canceled, grant becomes void and pre-cancellation expenses will not be reimbursed; applicants must notify Visit Eau Claire of significant changes

Contact

Grants Administrator: grants@visiteauclaire.com

Main Contact: marketing@visiteauclaire.com

Address: 128 Graham Ave, Suite 234, Eau Claire, WI 54701

Phone: 715.831.2345

Additional Information

• Applications for events scheduled more than six months in advance are welcome if urgency is clearly explained
• Events must occur minimum 45 days after grant cycle deadline dates
• Past recipients include Ride Across Wisconsin (RAW)