State grants available for destination events

HELENA – The Montana Department of Commerce is accepting applications for Recovery Destination Event Grants. Available through the Tourism Grant Program, a total of $500,000 of funding is available to support established and new destination events that will increase non-resident and resident visitor attendance and generate revenue to Montana communities.

“Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, several major events have been either rescheduled or canceled across the state, causing a negative economic impact for many Montana communities,” said Commerce Director Scott Osterman. “As the state’s economy continues to recover from the pandemic, these Destination Event grants will help Montana communities bounce back through the economic boost tied to these events,” Osterman added.

Applications for the grant funding will be open to registered non-profit 501(c) organizations, tribal governments, city governments, and county governments based in Montana. Eligible event costs that can be supported with grant funds include:

Advertising and marketing costs to increase non-resident and resident attendance, such as traditional advertisement, digital marketing campaigns, social media post boosts, social media ads, e-communications, and geo-fencing.

Event infrastructure costs like portable restrooms, wash stations, and 25 percent of the rental costs for a permanent venue or facility where the recovery destination event will take place.

Signage expenses including production, construction, and installation costs of non-permanent signage directing attendees to the event, direct mailers, and banners announcing the recovery destination event.

Applications will be considered, reviewed, scored, and awarded on an on-going basis until all $500,000 of grant funding is awarded or until June 1; whichever occurs first. Learn more and apply for a Recovery Destination Event Grant at MARKETMT.COM.

Recovery Destination Event grants are funded by the 4% Lodging Facility Use Tax, commonly known as the “Bed Tax.” Enacted by the 1987 Legislature, the Bed Tax is collected from guests of hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, guest ranches, resorts, short-term vacation rentals, and campgrounds.