Visit Eau Claire Tourism Grant Program
Visit Eau Claire is a non-stock, not-for-profit private corporation established to develop and promote the tourism industry in the Eau Claire area. Visit Eau Claire’s revenue sources include annual appropriations from room tax dollars and various revenue-generating programs and grants.
The Visit Eau Claire Tourism Grant Program assists organizations with tourism marketing, promotion, attractions, special events, and festivals that foster local economic impact and increase destination appeal. Funded projects must demonstrate the ability to attract visitors from outside the Eau Claire region and generate measurable tourism activity, including overnight stays.
Note: The current grant programs are operating as pilot initiatives for the April application cycle while Visit Eau Claire evaluates and refines its funding approach. Updates or adjustments may be introduced ahead of the November cycle.
Program Purpose & Priorities
The primary goal of the Tourism Grant Program is to generate measurable overnight visitation and extend visitor stays in the Eau Claire area. As the region’s Destination Marketing Organization, Visit Eau Claire also seeks to support initiatives that strengthen the community’s appeal and attract visitors to the region. The program prioritizes projects that:
1. Open new markets or reach audiences outside the Eau Claire region.
2. Demonstrate incremental tourism demand (growth) beyond prior years.
3. Target Off-Peak/Shoulder Seasons: Projects occurring during historically lower-occupancy periods (as defined by Visit Eau Claire data) will receive greater consideration.
4. For events taking place within the City of Eau Claire, additional consideration will be given to applicants aligning with City of Eau Claire's Strategic Goals* (see Integrating City of Eau Claire’s high-level goals document).
Eligibility
Applicants proposing expanded or reimagined components of existing events must clearly articulate how the project is materially different from prior years and how it advances tourism beyond standard programming. For further inquiries or clarification, please contact the Visit Eau Claire Grant Administrator at grants@visiteauclaire.com. Our team is dedicated to assisting you throughout the application process and looks forward to supporting your event initiatives.
Who can apply?
- For-profit and non-profit organizations, volunteer-managed groups, and individuals.
- The organization must have a valid tax ID number and bank account. Individual/personal social security numbers and bank accounts will not be accepted.
- All grants are encouraged to be matched on a dollar-for-dollar basis; matching funds may include cash and/or in-kind contributions.
What are eligible activities?
- To be competitive, a project must be time-limited, seasonal, or a pilot program that is open to the public. Priority is given to:
- New Events: Festivals, sporting tournaments, conventions, or performance series.
- Significant Expansions: Adding event days, new ticketed experiences, or new attractions to an existing event that will measurably increase out-of-region attendance.
- First-Time Visitor Experiences: Guided tours, pilot programming, or unique attractions designed to drive overnight travel.
What is ineligible for funding?
- Recurring annual events without meaningful expansion or tourism growth
- Routine operating expenses, staffing, or administrative costs
- Organizations that discriminate because of race, color, creed, gender, national origin, or limited participation,
- Political organizations, candidates for political office, and organizations whose primary purpose is to influence legislation
- Individuals and organizations that have not fulfilled all previous grant award requirements
- Capital improvements/renovations (unless directly tied to a new visitor initiative)
Procedures & Disbursement
Below are answers to common questions about the application process, review procedures, and how grant funds are distributed. Understanding these steps will help ensure a smooth experience from application through project completion.
When are grants applications open?
- Visit Eau Claire offers two grant cycles each year, with application deadlines on April 15 and November 15.
Can I apply for events scheduled more than six months in advance?
- Yes, applications for future events are welcome, provided you clearly explain the urgency of the event.
What happens after I submit an application?
- The Visit Eau Claire Grant Administrator reviews applications when submitted for completeness and clarifies areas as needed with applicants. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
Who reviews and approves applications?
- The Visit Eau Claire Grant Committee reviews and evaluates applications; final approval is granted by the Visit Eau Claire Board of Directors.
When are grant funds distributed?
- Grant funds are dispersed post-event following the submission and approval of a final evaluation report documenting the project's impact.
What happens if my event is canceled?
- If your funded event is canceled, the grant becomes void, and pre-cancellation expenses will not be reimbursed. Please notify Visit Eau Claire of any significant changes.
How Applications Are Evaluated
Applications are reviewed by the Visit Eau Claire Grant Committee using weighted evaluation criteria focused on tourism impact and project feasibility.
| Criteria | Weight |
| Overnight visitation & Tourism Impact | 25% |
| Incremental Growth & Market Expansion | 20% |
| Timing & Seasonality | 20% |
| Community Partnerships | 15% |
| Feasibility & Planning | 10% |
| Sustainability & Future Potential | 10% |
👉 View Detailed Weighted Scoring Criteria
Grant Cycles & Timeline
The event date must occur a minimum 45 days after the respective April 15 and November 15 grant cycle dates.
April 15 Cycle
(for events occurring July 1-December 31)
| March 1 | Reminder announcement of accepting applications |
| April 15 | Spring application deadline |
| April/May | Visit Eau Claire Grant Committee Evaluation & Meeting |
| May | Visit Eau Claire Board of Directors approval of grant awards |
| June | Notification of grant application decisions |
| Disbursement | Funding disbursement occurs after the submission of a final event evaluation report |
November 15 Cycle
(for events occurring January 1-June 30)
| October 1 | Reminder announcement of accepting applications |
| November 15 | Fall application deadline |
| Nov/Dec | Visit Eau Claire Grant Committee Evaluation & Meeting |
| December | Visit Eau Claire Board of Directors approval of grant awards |
| January | Notification of grant application decisions |
| Disbursement | Funding disbursement occurs after the submission of a final event evaluation report |
Tourism Grants in Action
Ride Across WI (RAW)
Tourism Grant Recipient
Ride Across Wisconsin exemplifies the goal of the Tourism Grant Program — attracting visitors from outside the region and converting participation into overnight stays and extended visitation. By drawing cyclists and spectators to the Eau Claire area from across the state and Midwest, the event supports local businesses while positioning the community as a premier destination for outdoor recreation and active tourism.
Is Your Project More Arts & Culture Focused?
If your project centers on artistic innovation, cultural programming, or creative experimentation rather than tourism impact, consider applying for the Cultural Arts Program.
Spread the Word - We Are Here to Help!
Receiving a grant is just the beginning — getting people through the door is where the magic happens! Here are a few easy ways to make sure your event gets the visibility it deserves. Have questions along the way? Reach out to us at marketing@visiteauclaire.com — we're happy to help!
The Visit Eau Claire Grants Program is made possible through the support of:
Questions?
Get in touch with our grants administrator at grants@visiteauclaire.com.
We're happy to help you determine which program is right for your project.