Tourism Marketing Grant

The Tourism Marketing Grant is administered by the Colorado Tourism Office, a division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade. This state agency is responsible for advancing Colorado’s tourism economy by promoting the state as a premier travel destination while encouraging responsible and sustainable visitation. The grant program aligns with the office’s mission to inspire travel that supports local economies, respects communities, and preserves natural and cultural resources. Through this funding opportunity, the Colorado Tourism Office seeks to strengthen the competitiveness of Colorado’s tourism sector and maximize the impact of coordinated marketing efforts across the state. The primary purpose of the grant is to fund new tourism-related marketing campaigns and initiatives that expand awareness of Colorado destinations and experiences. Projects must represent new efforts or meaningful expansions into new markets or media channels, rather than supporting ongoing or existing campaigns. Eligible activities include creative production such as advertising development, photography, videography, and content creation, as well as marketing execution activities like media placement, social media campaigns, public relations, search engine marketing, and influencer partnerships. Additional allowable uses include tourism research, strategic planning, trade show participation with limitations, and website or digital platform enhancements that directly support marketing objectives. Funding is structured with defined minimum and maximum award levels ranging from 2500 to 49000 dollars per application. A required cash match applies and varies depending on the funding tier. For requests between 20001 and 49000 dollars, a two to one match is required, meaning the Colorado Tourism Office contributes two dollars for every one dollar provided by the applicant. For requests between 2500 and 20000 dollars, a four to one match applies, with the agency contributing four dollars for every one dollar of applicant funding. Matching funds must be cash and cannot originate from federal sources, state general funds, or other restricted funding streams. The applicant may contribute more than the minimum required match if project costs exceed grant limits. Eligibility is limited to Colorado based destination marketing organizations and statewide tourism industry associations. Destination marketing organizations are defined as nonprofit or governmental entities that lead tourism promotion efforts and often manage lodging tax revenues. Statewide tourism associations must be nonprofit trade organizations representing tourism businesses across the state. Ineligible applicants include for profit businesses, individual attractions, regional associations, and federal or state agencies. Additional restrictions apply, such as limits on the number of applications per destination and a requirement for organizations that have received funding for three consecutive years to sit out one year before reapplying. The application process requires submission through the official online portal managed by the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade. Applicants are encouraged to submit a non mandatory Letter of Intent within a specified window to receive early feedback. Required application components include a financial worksheet, a detailed project timeline, letters of commitment documenting the required cash match, and at least two letters of support from community or industry partners. Nonprofit applicants must also provide proof of good standing. Applications undergo an internal compliance review followed by evaluation by a designated review committee. Evaluation criteria focus on project quality, feasibility, expected economic impact, demonstrated need, and the applicant’s capacity to execute the proposed initiative. Priority consideration is given to projects demonstrating collaboration among multiple destinations. Final award decisions are subject to funding availability and approval by the Colorado Tourism Office, which reserves discretion to adjust award amounts or cancel the program. Successful applicants must enter into a formal grant agreement, adhere to reporting requirements, and complete all deliverables within the established performance period. The application cycle for this grant opens on June 23, 2026 and closes on August 20, 2026. Award notifications are expected by October 15, 2026. The project performance period extends through December 31, 2027, with final reporting due by February 10, 2028. Funding may be distributed upfront or on a reimbursement basis depending on state approval processes. The grant is offered on a recurring basis, with updated guidelines and eligibility requirements potentially introduced in future cycles.

Demonstrate collaboration across destinations; provide clear project plan and measurable impact; ensure all required documents are complete and aligned with guidelines