The Tourism Marketing Grant is a competitive program administered by Kansas Tourism, aimed at supporting new and innovative marketing initiatives that promote tourism within the state. This grant assists destination marketing organizations (DMOs), tourism communities, and travel-related businesses with their first-time advertising and promotional efforts. The program’s primary objective is to enhance Kansas’s profile as a travel destination, drive economic development, and support local visitor-based industries.
Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) status, for-profit tourism businesses, state and local governments, tribal governments (both federally and non-federally recognized), and public or private nonprofit entities collaborating with state political subdivisions. Applicants must have an active listing on TravelKS.com and be in good standing with Kansas Secretary of State programs. Only those not already engaged in overlapping Kansas Tourism grant programs may apply.
Funding covers a wide array of first-time marketing and promotional costs, including media placement, website enhancement, digital marketing, billboard design, public relations, photography and videography, strategic marketing plans, and more. The program excludes costs related to operational salaries, local events with primarily local attendance, promotional items, and out-of-state travel expenses. The program requires a 60% match from applicants, which can be partially fulfilled with in-kind contributions. Awards are reimbursable and cannot exceed $10,000. The total available funding pool is $100,000, with 10–15 grants expected to be issued per cycle. The performance period for each grant extends up to 18 months.
Applications must be submitted online via the Submittable platform between July 1 and August 31. All required forms, such as the Kansas Sexual Harassment Acknowledgment, Tax Clearance Certificate, and W-9, must be uploaded at the time of submission. Late applications and submissions missing required documentation will not be reviewed.
Applications are evaluated by a panel using a rubric that considers project clarity, alignment with first-time marketing goals, budget accuracy, leveraging of matching funds, potential to generate overnight stays, and projected economic benefits to Kansas communities. Grant decisions are announced in October or November, and awardees are notified by phone. Grantees must comply with all reporting and documentation requirements, including mid-year and final performance reports, and must complete all grant-funded activities within the specified term.
Applications must emphasize first-time marketing, out-of-state impact, and clearly documented economic benefits. Late or incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
