Marketing Partnership Program - Cook County

The Marketing Partnership Program - Cook County is administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, a state agency responsible for supporting economic development, business growth, and tourism across Illinois. This program is authorized under the Illinois Promotion Act and represents a continuation of a previously funded initiative, indicating an established funding stream aimed at strengthening the state’s tourism economy. The program is specifically targeted to Cook County, distinguishing it from a complementary program serving other regions of the state. Its primary objective is to increase overnight stays in paid accommodations by supporting strategic tourism marketing efforts. The purpose of this grant program is to provide matching funds that leverage local investment in tourism promotion. By requiring applicants to contribute at least 50 percent of total project costs, the program ensures shared financial responsibility and encourages applicants to design impactful, well-supported marketing initiatives. Eligible projects must demonstrate the ability to promote tourism attractions, destinations, or events in Illinois, particularly targeting audiences located outside a defined geographic radius to drive new visitation and economic activity. The program emphasizes measurable outcomes such as increased visitor counts, hotel tax revenue, and advertising performance metrics. Funding under this opportunity totals approximately $750,000, with individual awards ranging from $10,000 to $100,000. Projects must have a minimum total cost of $20,000 to qualify. The period of performance extends from the execution of the grant agreement through June 30, 2027. Indirect costs are not allowed, and administrative expenses are generally excluded from eligibility. Allowable uses of funds include marketing-related activities such as advertising campaigns, website development, travel guides, trade shows, and market research. Ineligible expenses include operational costs, event production expenses, equipment purchases, and promotions focused solely on for-profit entities without broader destination marketing. Eligibility is limited to municipalities, nonprofit organizations, and local promotion groups located within Cook County that are primarily engaged in tourism promotion. Applicants must meet strict prequalification requirements through the Illinois Grant Accountability and Transparency Act portal, including maintaining valid registrations, compliance with federal and state systems, and good standing with regulatory authorities. Only one application per entity is permitted. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate that matching funds are secured, allowable, and not derived from other state-funded programs. The application process requires submission of a comprehensive package that includes a Uniform Grant Application, a detailed budget using the state-provided template, conflict of interest and mandatory disclosure forms, and a program-specific application. All required documents must be signed by an authorized representative. Applications must be submitted electronically through the designated portal by June 17, 2026 at 5:00 PM. While a technical assistance session is offered, participation is optional and does not affect eligibility. Applications are evaluated through a competitive merit-based review process using criteria focused on need, capacity, and quality. Reviewers assess how well the proposed project aligns with the program’s goals, the applicant’s ability to execute the project, and the anticipated impact on tourism. Scoring includes evaluation of marketing strategy, geographic targeting, expected economic impact, and the extent to which the project supports broader tourism development. Applicants must achieve a minimum score threshold to be considered for funding, and awards are distributed in rank order until funds are exhausted. Successful applicants will receive a Notice of State Award and enter into a grant agreement phase, which may take several months. Reporting requirements include quarterly financial and performance reports, as well as a final closeout report at the end of the performance period. The program includes monitoring and audit provisions to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations. This opportunity is not described as recurring, though it has been funded in prior fiscal years, suggesting potential future iterations depending on state priorities and funding availability.

Ensure strong data driven marketing strategy targeting visitors outside 50 miles and demonstrate measurable impact such as increased overnight stays and tax revenue. Clearly document matching funds and include evaluation metrics aligned with scoring criteria.