Tourism Grant Program

The Tourism Grant Program is administered by Explore Minnesota, the state tourism office for Minnesota. The program is designed to provide financial support for tourism marketing campaigns and tourism-related initiatives led by primary Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs). The intent of the funding is to increase visitation, support local tourism economies, strengthen destination awareness, and generate economic benefits for Minnesota communities. The grant prioritizes organizations that actively market tourism experiences and attractions to travelers and visitors. Eligible applicants include nonprofit tourism marketing organizations, municipal tourism organizations, and federally recognized Tribal Nations that share geography with Minnesota. Eligible nonprofit organizations must be legally organized Minnesota-based 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) entities whose primary mission is destination marketing or tourism promotion. Examples include convention and visitor bureaus, resort associations, and chambers of commerce. Municipal DMOs are eligible if they serve as the primary tourism marketing organization for their community, dedicate staff resources to tourism promotion, and maintain a tourism-focused website separate from the city website. Tribal Nations are also eligible applicants. Statewide associations and collaborative initiatives are specifically excluded from eligibility. If multiple organizations from the same community apply, the organizations must determine which entity will receive funding before applications will be reviewed. Border communities with Minnesota Tax ID numbers may apply, but funds must support only Minnesota tourism products or events. Grant awards are determined according to organizational budget size. Municipal DMOs and organizations with budgets under $100,000 may request up to $2,500, while organizations with budgets exceeding $5 million may request up to $14,000. A 1:1 cash match is required for all awards, meaning grantees must contribute an equal amount of non-grant funding toward eligible project expenses. Funding is reimbursement based, so grantees must incur and pay all eligible costs before requesting reimbursement from Explore Minnesota. Only one grant award is allowed per organization. Organizations may request less than their maximum eligible amount, but additional funding cannot be requested after the grant contract has been executed. Eligible expenses include a broad range of tourism marketing and promotional activities. Consumer advertising activities such as print, digital, television, radio, streaming, social media, billboard, and out-of-home advertising are eligible. Travel trade marketing, sports tourism marketing, meetings and conventions advertising, and trade show participation are also allowable. The program additionally supports website development, search engine optimization, social media management, visitor guides, brochures, direct mail campaigns, public relations services, tourism research, and data services. Public events marketing for festivals, exhibitions, fairs, sporting competitions, and similar visitor-focused events is eligible as well. Diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion marketing initiatives may also be funded. Explore Minnesota branding and co-branding requirements apply to most marketing activities funded through the grant. Applications will be accepted beginning June 1, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. Central Time and will remain open until August 21, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. Central Time or until all available funds have been awarded. Applications must be submitted electronically through the designated email inbox at emngrant@state.mn.us. Required submission materials include the application and budget worksheet, authorized representative signature, IRS Form 990 for nonprofits, Secretary of State incorporation statement, project summary worksheet, and budget worksheet. Applications are reviewed in the order they are received through the electronic queue. Explore Minnesota may reject incomplete applications, but rejected applications may be revised and resubmitted while funding remains available. Upon approval, organizations receive an award letter describing the contingent award amount and next steps. Grant contracts become effective only after all required signatures are obtained or July 1, 2026, whichever occurs later. Grantees may not begin grant-funded work or incur eligible expenses before the contract effective date. Progress reports are due December 4, 2026. All project work must be completed by April 16, 2027, and reimbursement requests with all reconciliation documentation must be submitted no later than May 28, 2027. Required reconciliation materials include reimbursement request forms, proof of services and payment, project evaluation documentation, and evidence of required Explore Minnesota co-branding. The grant program also establishes public transparency and compliance obligations. Grant awards and applicant information are considered public data under Minnesota statutes. Grantees are required to retain records related to the grant for at least six years following the grant agreement end date and completion of all reporting requirements. Explore Minnesota reserves the right to examine financial and administrative records associated with grant expenditures. Organizations are encouraged to coordinate with their regional representative regarding eligibility questions, branding compliance, and reimbursement requirements throughout the program period.

Submit a complete application package with all required attachments because incomplete applications may be rejected. Ensure Explore Minnesota logo and co-branding requirements are incorporated into all eligible advertising materials. Maintain detailed proof of payment and vendor documentation because reimbursement is only provided after eligible expenses are incurred and verified.