Wisconsin Department of Tourism

Your JEM Contact

Abbie Hill

JEM Coordinator

Phone: (608) 261-6272

Abbie Hill

Program Summary & Example Downloads

JEM Grant Deadlines

New Events, Existing Events, One Time-One-of-a-Kind Events and Sales Promotions are reviewed four times year, in August, November, February and May.

 

Destination Marketing grant applications are reviewed twice a year, in September and April.

 

Applications must be received by the first of the month. 

 

Applications must also be submitted at least 90 days prior to the first day of advertising that wil be paid using the grant funds; for example, if your first JEM funded ad runs on November 1, your application should be submitted by August 1.

Grants

This just may be our best industry investment.

Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) Grant Program

Proving we mean business, our grant program for non-profits gives worthy tourism promotions and events some cash and guidance to make it big.  We walk you through it all, from application materials to what to expect along the way.

What is it?

For nearly 20 years now, the Department of Tourism has been giving grants to keep Wisconsin's tourism industry strong and growing. These days, Joint Effort Marketing Grants top out at $1.13 million annually.

To be funded, projects must show they'll generate an increase in number of visitors and dollars brought into the local area. It's all laid out in the application. Find out if your promotion falls into one of these categories: Destination Marketing; New Event; Sales Promotion; Existing Event; and One-Time, One-of-a-Kind.

Why apply?

If the difference between getting your good idea going and letting it wilt away is a small infusion of cash, then please consider applying. By state statute, we can reimburse up to 75% of a project's first year promotional costs. For some categories we even offer grant support during subsequent years - up to 50% of the promotional costs for the second year and 25% for the third year.

Eligible expenses include things like e-mail marketing, print and broadcast ads, direct mail, publicity, and billboards.

Next Steps

  • Read through the application
  • Determine if your project is a fit
  • Cross-reference deadlines listed to the right
  • Apply!

 

Visit travelwisconsin.com for a complete guide to the state's attractions and events.