Marketing Partnership Program - Balance of State

The Marketing Partnership Program - Balance of State is a grant program that aims to match and leverage local funds with State funds to market and promote destinations, tourism attractions, and tourism events throughout Illinois, excluding Cook County. The program's goal is to increase overnight stays in paid accommodations. Eligible applicants include counties, municipalities, not-for-profit organizations, and local promotion groups. The program will provide matching grants to assist in promotional activities such as travel-related promotional materials, media, billboards, web sites, market research, travel/trade shows, visitor inquiries, mail promotions, promotional publications, ad campaigns, and maps. • Eligible projects must have a total project cost of at least $20,000. • Up to 50 percent of the total project cost may be funded. • In-kind contributions are not allowed as a match. • Indirect costs are not eligible for this program. • The program allows reimbursement of pre-award costs if they are incurred on or after July 1, 2026. • Applications will be reviewed on a competitive basis, and grants will be awarded based on the evaluation criteria, which includes need, capacity, and quality.