Grants
This just may be our best industry investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where can I access the application for these grants?
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Click on this link and it will take you to the application. We’ve created it in a pdf document that you can download to your computer and easily type in the information.
- Are amateur, collegiate and professional events all eligible?
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Yes, all are allowed.
- Does it have to be a sports event?
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It must be a competitive sporting 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.
- Can I get grant dollars to support an existing Wisconsin event? What about events that move from one location to another each year?
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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.
- What items in the application are most scrutinized by the review panel?
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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.
- Who reviews the applications?
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This fund is administered by the Department of Tourism. We review applications three times a year. There are two levels of review: The first is a five-person committee, the second level of review involves the Tourism Department's marketing designee and the Secretary. Funds are awarded upon approval by the Tourism Department.
- How soon after I apply will I know if I’ve been awarded a grant?
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Following the review of the application, you’ll hear from the Department of Tourism whether or not you’ve been awarded a grant.
- Why do I have to submit a post-event evaluation?
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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 Wisconsin Department of Tourism. The report is due 90 days after the event.
- © 2011 Wisconsin Department of Tourism