ActiveClosedState

Illinois Tourism Marketing Partnership Grant Program - Balance of State.

DCEO's Balance of State Tourism Marketing Partnership program provides matching grants for promotion of attractions, destinations, and events outside Cook County.

Offered byIllinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunityverified 2026-07-10

Overview

What it does.

The 2026 round closed June 17. Chester and Randolph County fall in the eligible geography, and a qualifying municipality, county, nonprofit, or local tourism-promotion group could lead an application and provide the required match.

Best for: A coordinated Chester or Randolph County campaign that markets attractions or events to visitors from outside the area and drives overnight stays.

Eligibility

Who and what may qualify.

Eligible applicants

  • Illinois counties and municipalities applying for projects outside Cook County
  • Illinois not-for-profit organizations in good standing applying for projects outside Cook County
  • Local tourism promotion groups applying for projects outside Cook County

Eligible uses

  • Marketing and promotion of Illinois tourism attractions, destinations, and events to increase overnight stays

Application

How to start.

  1. Form an eligible lead-applicant partnership.
  2. Build a measurable tourism-marketing plan and matching budget.
  3. Maintain DCEO and GATA readiness for the next published round.

Timing: The 2026 Balance of State application is closed; monitor DCEO for future rounds.

Planning notes

Limits to account for.

  • The current round is closed.
  • Projects must promote tourism and support overnight stays, not merely advertise a local business.
  • State grant prequalification and compliance requirements apply.

Document the source and eligibility of all match; do not double-count state funds where prohibited.

Evidence

Official sources.