Market New York Tourism Grant Program

Market New York is a state-administered grant program operated by the New York State Division of Tourism under Empire State Development. The program is designed to strengthen the state’s tourism economy by supporting initiatives that attract visitors and promote destinations, attractions, and events across New York. It aligns with broader economic development strategies established by the Regional Economic Development Councils, ensuring that funded projects contribute to long-term regional growth and increased visitor spending. The primary objective of the program is to fund projects that generate measurable economic impact through tourism. Eligible activities include tourism marketing campaigns, the recruitment and execution of special events such as festivals, expos, agritourism and craft beverage events, and athletic tournaments, as well as business-focused events including meetings, conventions, conferences, and trade shows. These efforts are intended to increase visitation, extend stays, and enhance the visibility of New York State as a travel destination. Funding is available for working capital and marketing-related initiatives, with a required minimum request threshold of 50000 dollars. Projects must demonstrate the ability to produce tourism-related economic benefits and align with regional priorities. A mandatory 50 percent matching requirement applies to eligible projects, meaning applicants must secure non-state funding equal to at least half of the requested grant amount. Certain restrictions apply, including limitations on applicants with active Market New York projects, who are ineligible to apply until all prior obligations and reporting requirements are fully completed and approved. Eligible applicants include not-for-profit corporations, municipalities, tourism promotional agencies, public benefit corporations, and for-profit companies that are certified to operate in New York State. Not-for-profit applicants must comply with state incorporation laws, maintain a valid charities registration, and provide proof of federal tax-exempt status. Individuals, State University of New York institutions, and New York State agencies are explicitly excluded from eligibility. Additionally, nonprofit applicants must be prequalified in the Statewide Financial System by the application deadline in order to be considered. Applications must be submitted through the Consolidated Funding Application portal, which serves as the official submission platform. The application process requires organizations to develop a project proposal detailing their tourism initiative, including expected economic impact, project scope, and alignment with regional strategies. While specific application questions are not listed, applicants should anticipate providing narrative descriptions, budgets, and supporting documentation necessary to evaluate project feasibility and impact. The timeline for the current funding round indicates that the application portal opens on June 1, 2026, and closes on July 31, 2026 at 4 PM Eastern Time. No late submissions are accepted. Awards are expected to be announced in late fall or winter of 2026, and applicants will be notified via email. Public-facing project activities cannot begin until at least three months after the official award date to allow for administrative processing. The program operates on a recurring basis, with annual funding cycles anticipated based on prior structure and references to fiscal year allocations. For additional information, applicants may consult program guidelines, frequently asked questions, and contact the Division of Tourism via the provided program email. The program emphasizes strategic alignment, economic impact, and readiness to execute as key evaluation considerations, reinforcing its role as a competitive funding opportunity for tourism development across New York State.

Emphasize measurable tourism impact and alignment with Regional Economic Development Council priorities; ensure matching funds are secured before applying