Grants

Louisville Tourism grant program invests in two grant opportunities for local organizations aimed to enhance the economic impact of tourism. These grant dollars help our local assets thrive, which in turn improves our destination, thus ultimately boosting Louisville’s appeal to visitors.

Community Investment Program:

Since 2008, Louisville Tourism has provided grants to support hospitality initiatives that drive potential visitation. In 2016, this grant program, called the Community Investment Committee (CIC), increased annually to semiannually to fill a void in grant allocations from a sunsetted program that was previously provided at the state level. The application cycles are held twice annually, with grant applications due by January 15th and July 15th.

Applicants must be a non-profit organization seeking funds to be used solely to market tourism related projects (festivals, events, studies, media assistance, etc.) that occur within Louisville/Jefferson County, Kentucky. These projects must draw out-of-town visitors and attract overnight stays in hotels. Grant monies are to be used for start-up funds for projects less than three years old in Louisville/Jefferson County, KY, unless the existing project changes in some significant way or wants to try new advertising/promotion activities to reach a new market, thus attracting overnight stays.

Cultural Small Business Grant:

The Louisville Tourism cultural tourism grant opportunity for cultural minority small businesses broadens the number of traditionally underrepresented groups within the Louisville Tourism partnership program. Companies that apply should have focused tourism and travel marketing goals and fit within Louisville Tourism major/minor category parameters. The scholarship provides a one-year hospitality-level ($400) partnership with Louisville Tourism. This level includes an extensive listing on GoToLouisville.com with photos, social media, contact links, maps, and a description of the business.