Grants

Click on this link and it will take you to the application. We’ve created it in a Word document that you can download to your computer and easily type in the information.

Yes, all are allowed.

It doesn’t have to be a sports event, although most are.  However, it does have to be a competitive event. We’re looking for events that will generate both a spectator base and an economic boost for the area. Examples include, but are not limited to, NCAA-AAU tournaments, baseball/softball tournaments, rodeos, sailing, drum and bugle corps competitions, hockey, basketball, triathlons and marathons. Don’t forget winter sports like snowmobiling and skiing. By the way, sport camps are not considered a competitive event.

We won’t fund in-state events that are regularly scheduled or those that rotate to destinations within the state, like the Wisconsin State Bowling Tournament. However, we will consider events that have not been previously hosted in our state – or haven’t been hosted within the last six years – and have been secured through a bid process. The idea behind this grant category is to bring in business from outside the state.

Make sure your application includes a thorough history of the event, including return-on-investment from past years. Try to be as detailed as possible in your marketing plan and budget as well.

There are two levels of review: The first is a five-person committee including a Wisconsin Sports Development Corporation member and the executive director of the Wisconsin Association of Convention & Visitor Bureaus. The second level of review involves the Tourism Department’s marketing director and that person’s designee from the Department.  Funds are then dispersed upon approval by the Tourism Department.

Applications are reviewed quarterly, in January, April, July and October.  Following the review of the application, you’ll hear from the Department of Tourism whether or not you’ve been awarded a grant.

It helps us gauge the success of the event and the grant investment. Also, it’s required for the grant payment schedule - 70% of the grant is paid when the grant application is approved, and the remaining 30% is paid upon successful submission of this post-event evaluation and approval by the Sports Development Corporation and the Tourism Department. The report is due 90 days after the event.

If your event is profitable, you’ll be required to repay either 50% of the grant or 50% of the profit, whichever is less. This helps to ensure the sustainability of the grant fund.