Iowa Tourism Office offers $250,000 grant program

DES MOINES — Tourism-related entities in Iowa have until Aug. 4 to apply for grants available through the Iowa Tourism Grant program. Administered by the Iowa Economic Development Authority’s Iowa Tourism Office, the grants provide financial assistance with marketing initiatives, meetings, events and professional development efforts.

Complete details about the program, including its administrative rules, can be found in the Industry Information section of traveliowa.com.

“The Iowa Tourism Office is committed to providing grant programs that help our partners create and execute efforts that strengthen Iowa’s travel industry and grow the local and state economies,” said Shawna Lode, manager of the Iowa Tourism Office.

Eligible applicants are tourism-related entities based in Iowa. Applicants must demonstrate a 25 percent cash match of the grant amount. The project must be completed in fiscal year 2015 (July 1, 2014, through June 30, 2015). The minimum grant amount is $500, and the maximum grant amount is $5,000 per application.

Of the approximately $250,000 in funds available, $100,000 will be dedicated to marketing Vision Iowa projects. All Vision Iowa, Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) and River Enhancement Community Attraction and Tourism (RECAT) recipients are eligible to apply for funds to support marketing activities.

For more information, call the Iowa Tourism Office at 515-725-3084.

Reported by:  Ottumwa Courier