Discover Tourism Grant Program

“We” are Experience Grand Rapids, the official Destination Marketing Organization for Grand Rapids and Kent County.

We are dedicated to cultivating inclusive connections within our community and attracting visitors to our vibrant region. We’ve launched the Discover Tourism Grant Program (DTGP) to assist local residents and organizations with new or existing projects that seek to create lively, inviting spaces where people want to spend time.

We refer to this as “placemaking” – a participatory process that makes a destination more attractive and memorable for visitors while also improving the quality of life for residents. Effective placemaking can significantly boost tourism and enhance community pride. 

Grand Rapids and Kent County have made great strides in placemaking over the past decade or so, but there’s always more that can be done, especially in terms of making all visitors and residents feel welcomed and valued.

That’s why we are offering grants from $500 to $5,000 for placemaking projects that align with these purposes and objectives:

• Community Leadership: Elevate the role of community cohesion in both developing and executing projects.
• Connections: Forge and strengthen bonds between residents and visitors, enriching the community fabric with a deeper sense of belonging.
• Social Inclusion: Champion social inclusion through proactive community engagement.
• Tourism Community Benefit: Ensure broad public benefits that enhance community life.

Residents and organizations, both non-profit and for-profit, are encouraged to apply for a Discover Tourism Grant, as long as their projects are accessible to the public and align with the grant’s objectives.

Funds from this grant can be combined with financial contributions from other sources, but they may not be used to cover salaries, wages, lobbying efforts, or activities that financially benefit local government staff or elected officials.

Applicants must designate a Project Lead who will act as the primary liaison between the organizing entity and Experience Grand Rapids. The Project Lead must be assisted by at least three Team Members who are representative of the community served. All participating team members must be 18 years of age or older.

Projects that qualify for a placemaking grant include but are not limited to:

• Public art installations and community art projects
• Community gardens and urban farms
• Pop-up parks, plazas, markets and events
• Wayfinding signage and historical markers
• Cultural programming and performances
• Playground and recreational projects
• Interactive and educational installations
• Safety and accessibility enhancements
• Community-driven place branding 

The initial wave of Discover Tourism Grants will be awarded to projects that can be implemented and completed from September - December 1, 2024.

Grant applications for this wave must be submitted between July 19 and August 16, 2024 at11:59 PM.

Applications will be reviewed by the Discover Tourism Program Committee and successful applicants will be notified prior to mandatory meeting with Experience Grand Rapids staff on either August 27 or August 29, 2024. Please respond to our email or phone calls promptly to secure a time slot that best fits your schedule.

Regardless of the decision, all applicants will be contacted by phone or email.

Current applications are not being accepted at this time. Please check back for 2025 application dates.  Below are the details of what you need to include in your application.

Your application must include:

• A description of your project, either in writing or through a video.
• An explanation of how your project aligns with each of the program’s purposes and objectives (Community Leadership, Connections, Social Inclusion, and Community Benefit).
• A preliminary draft of your team’s plans for spending the grant funds.

Tips for Creating a Great DTGP Project Submission:

• Clear Purpose: Have a well-developed project purpose and desired outcomes.
• Inclusivity: Ensure your project is relevant and inclusive of the diversity within the project impact area.
• Organization: Be organized and clear with your thoughts and ideas.
• Passion: Show that you are passionate and intentional with your work.
• Practicality: Demonstrate a clear understanding of how you intend to use the funds practically.

We are excited to see your ideas come to life and look forward to working together to make a positive impact in our community!

Once you’ve been selected to receive a Discover Tourism Grant, you’ll meet with Experience Grand Rapids staff to:

• Declare a project team
• Identify or confirm a fiduciary who will manage the grant funds for you
• Refine the project budget
• Identify the project impact area
• Discuss project logistics and next steps

This information will be translated into a DTGP contract between your team and Experience Grand Rapids. Once we finalize your contract, we will email you a copy for signatures from the Project Lead, fiduciary and DTGP Coordinator. Ensure the fiduciary is registered as a vendor with Experience Grand Rapids.

After receiving all necessary signatures, we will process your award and distribute your check. Checks can be picked up at the Experience Grand Rapids office or mailed to your fiduciary.

You will be expected to track your project spending and refund any unspent amount back to Experience Grand Rapids.

You will also submit a Closing Report upon completion of your project. The report lets us know how your project went and allows us to showcase the benefits of our community investments to the Experience Grand Rapids Board of Directors. Your photos and narratives may even be featured in an article highlighting your work.

The Closing Report will include:

• Responses to project narrative and reflection questions
• Completed expense sheet (template will be provided)
• Community collaboration report (template will be provided)
• Minimum of 10 project photos
• Any additional links, documents, and/or information