Commerce Announces Application Period For Grants
The Montana Department of Commerce announced today that the application period for the Economic Impact and Destination Event Grant Program is now open. This State-funded grant program helps Montana communities with new and destination events to increase tourism by regional, national and international visitors, to promote Montana’s unique attributes and to generate additional community revenue.
“Local organizations across Montana know how to best represent their communities,” said Paul Green, director of the Montana Department of Commerce. “Supporting grassroots driven events through Economic Impact and Destination Events Grants makes sense and expands the reach and impact of the work these organizations give to their communities.”
Eligible grant applicants must show intent to host events that promote tourism, community pride and Montana’s unique cultural heritage, including cultural festivals and concerts; entertainment shows and productions; educational workshops; Indigenous, niche or signatory activities; and historical celebrations.
Last June, the Missoula Marathon received $25,000 of EIDE Grant Program funding. “This funding has directly resulted in more registrants from all over the country for the Missoula Marathon Weekend of Events,” said Trisha Drobeck, Missoula Marathon Race Director. “With additional funds for marketing, we are able to saturate our best markets and explore new pockets with both traditional marketing and digital campaigns. More participants significantly impact our local economy for the better.”
In 2023, the Montana Legislature authorized the EIDE Grant Program, which was enacted through Senate Bill 540. The program is administered by the Montana Department of Commerce.
The application window will close Sept. 20, at midnight. For more information and to apply, visit commerce. mt.gov.
