New Grant Opportunities Available Through Louisville Tourism

LOUISVILLE, KY (August 14, 2026) – Louisville Tourism is now accepting applications through October 15, 2026 for its annual Community Investment Committee (CIC) grant program, a funding initiative designed to help local organizations market tourism-related projects that attract visitors and generate overnight hotel stays in Louisville.

For the first time, applicants can choose from two funding opportunities: the established Destination Development & Events Grant and the newly created Destination Sense of Place Grant, which supports initiatives intended to build and enhance the visitor experience through tourism infrastructure and sense of place initiatives. Tourism infrastructure can be identified as projects that make up a coordinated network of physical places, systems and services that support the destination’s ability to attract visitors. Examples include destination arrival experience, visitor-centric people movers and circulators, outdoor recreation, trails, parks, wayfinding, service guides/ambassadors, streetscapes, lighting, public art, cleanliness, safety and beautification.

The previously established Destination Development and Events grants provide seed funds to support new projects and programs that draw out-of-town visitors to Jefferson County. Grant monies can also be used for existing projects that have changed in some significant way, or for implementing new advertising/promotion activities to reach a new market, thus attracting overnight stays.

Since launching in 2008, the CIC has invested nearly $2 million dollars in local festivals, attractions, cultural institutions and special events that enhance Louisville's appeal as a visitor destination. The program provides marketing support for projects that create new tourism opportunities or expand the reach of existing experiences.

Louisville Tourism's grant program has helped support a wide range of visitor-driving experiences, including the Big Stomp Music Festival, Sky Soul Festival, Via Colori Festival, Uncle Boojie's Roots Revue Festival, Belle of Louisville Riverboats, Kentucky Shakespeare, Louisville Ballet, Louisville Orchestra and Kentucky Derby Museum.

"The Community Investment Committee helps local organizations bring new ideas to life and grow events and attraction experiences that strengthen Louisville's tourism economy," said Cleo Battle, President and CEO of Louisville Tourism. "The goal is to support creative projects that enhance the visitor experience and give visitors more reasons to choose Louisville while generating meaningful economic impact for our hotels, restaurants, attractions and small businesses."

Applications for the current funding cycle for both grants are due by October 15, 2026. Interested organizations can review eligibility requirements and submit applications at gotolouisville.com/destination-engagement-opportunities/grants.