Ready, Set, Go! Grant Program

The Ready, Set, Go! (RSG) Grant Program is administered by the Wisconsin Department of Tourism as part of its broader effort to strengthen the state’s tourism economy through strategic sports marketing initiatives. The program is designed to help destination organizations secure competitive sporting events that are not regularly hosted within Wisconsin and that require a financial commitment during the bidding or planning stages. By supporting these events, the Department aims to increase visitation, generate overnight stays, and elevate Wisconsin’s visibility as a destination for high-impact sporting competitions. The primary purpose of the RSG program is to offset upfront costs associated with bidding on or hosting national or regional sporting events that deliver measurable economic benefits. Eligible events include a wide range of amateur and professional competitions such as tournaments, races, and exhibitions that attract both participants and spectators. The program explicitly excludes sports camps and events that are routinely scheduled within the state or that rotate among Wisconsin destinations. The funding is structured as a matching grant, meaning applicants must commit their own financial resources equal to the amount requested. Funding under the RSG program is limited to a maximum of 30,000 dollars per fiscal year per eligible organization, with a total program allocation of 110,000 dollars annually. Applicants may request reimbursement for up to 50 percent of bid fees or qualifying site and venue costs associated with hosting the event. These funds are intended strictly for allowable expenses tied directly to event acquisition and preparation. Certain uses are prohibited, including expenditures on alcohol or other items deemed inappropriate for state funding. Additionally, organizations receiving RSG funds are not permitted to seek funding for the same project through the Joint Effort Marketing program within the same fiscal year. Eligibility for the program is restricted to Destination Marketing Organizations and Native American tribal entities operating within Wisconsin. Applicants must demonstrate that the proposed event will generate significant economic impact, including overnight stays and visitor spending. Applications must include detailed documentation such as event budgets, marketing and public relations plans, revenue projections, and historical performance data for the event if available. These materials are used to evaluate the projected return on investment and overall viability of the proposal. The application process requires submission through the official Wisconsin Department of Tourism grant portal. Organizations that have not previously used the system must establish an account prior to applying. Applications are reviewed three times annually, with deadlines on February 1, April 1, and September 1, each at 11:59 p.m. Applicants are required to submit their materials at least 90 days prior to the event date. The review process evaluates proposals based on criteria such as projected room nights, financial leverage, media exposure potential, and scheduling during off-peak tourism periods. Award disbursement occurs in two phases. Upon approval and confirmation that the event has been secured, 70 percent of the awarded funds are distributed to the applicant. The remaining 30 percent is contingent upon submission and approval of a comprehensive post-event evaluation within 90 days after the event concludes. This evaluation must include financial outcomes, visitor impact data, marketing materials, and an analysis of the event’s success. If the event does not occur, the recipient is required to return any distributed funds within 30 days of cancellation. The program operates on a recurring annual cycle with multiple submission windows, providing ongoing opportunities for eligible organizations to apply. Applicants are encouraged to engage with Tourism Development Specialists or the Grant Manager for guidance and feedback throughout the application process. This support helps ensure that submissions are competitive and aligned with program objectives, ultimately strengthening Wisconsin’s position in the competitive sports tourism market.

Emphasize projected economic impact including room nights and visitor spending; demonstrate strong return on investment; highlight media exposure and off-peak scheduling benefits; provide detailed and accurate financial documentation