Visit Nebraska Marketing Grant Program

The Visit Nebraska Expedited Off-Cycle Grant Program is administered by the Nebraska Tourism Commission, the state agency responsible for promoting tourism and increasing visitor activity across Nebraska. This special funding cycle was created following the passage of Legislative Bill 1071 in April 2026, which allocated targeted appropriations for specific tourism-related initiatives. The Commission’s broader mission is to expand Nebraska’s travel industry by attracting visitors, generating economic impact, and increasing awareness of the state’s destinations and events. This expedited funding opportunity includes two distinct appropriations totaling $325,000 in state cash funds. The first allocation of $175,000 is designated for a marketing grant supporting international volleyball events held in a metropolitan-class city. The second allocation of $150,000 is restricted to a tourism and visitor promotion grant for an organization located along the Missouri River within five miles of a first-class city, specifically one that provides tourism services through exhibits and trails. These funds are intended to enhance visibility, attract out-of-state visitors, and generate national or international media exposure. The program focuses on marketing and promotional activities rather than capital development. Eligible uses of funds include website development, online and traditional media advertising, branding initiatives, tourism awareness campaigns, brochure production, and regional collaboration efforts. However, the program explicitly prohibits expenditures on equipment, construction, travel costs, office supplies, and other operational or capital expenses. All funded activities must demonstrate a clear connection to increasing visitation and measurable tourism impact. Applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria and provide detailed documentation as part of their submission. Federal and state government agencies are not eligible to apply. Applicants must include a federal identification number and submit a comprehensive application package consisting of a cover page, narrative project description (limited to three pages), a detailed budget worksheet, media coverage maps, and at least two written bids for applicable marketing services. The application must clearly outline how the proposed project will attract visitors, describe marketing strategies, and explain how outcomes will be measured. A mandatory cost-share requirement applies to all awards. Applicants must provide at least a 25 percent match, with a minimum of half of that match (12.5 percent) in cash contributions. The remaining portion may be fulfilled through in-kind contributions such as volunteer labor or donated materials, which must be properly documented. Nonprofit organizations that cannot meet the match requirement may request consideration through submission of hardship financial documentation explaining their financial constraints. The application process is conducted via email submission, requiring all materials to be sent to the designated grant administrator by the stated deadline. Applications are reviewed based on their potential to increase tourism, the effectiveness of proposed marketing strategies, and the ability to measure outcomes. Successful applicants enter into a reimbursement-based agreement, meaning all project expenses must be paid upfront and later reimbursed upon completion and verification. The timeline for this expedited cycle is compressed. Guidelines were released on April 27, 2026, and the application deadline is May 8, 2026. Award notifications are expected by May 14, 2026. Funded projects must be completed and fully paid before reimbursement requests are submitted. Final reporting and reimbursement documentation must be submitted within 90 days of project completion or no later than May 31, 2027. This grant does not indicate a recurring cycle, as it is tied specifically to a legislative appropriation for the 2025-2026 fiscal year.

Focus on measurable tourism impact, clearly demonstrate out-of-state visitor attraction, include strong marketing strategies with documented reach, and ensure all required bids and documentation are included to avoid disqualification.