A midwestern getaway, Effingham, IL USA Friends enjoying cotton candy at one of the stages at Moccasin Creek Festival Astrid Johana Photography

Grants

Visit Effingham empowers our city ’s economic state by existing as an organization. We strategically funnel potential travelers into our city to enhance the economic development of our region through the promotion of tourism and the comprehensive marketing of our destination. In doing so, we are heightening the potential growth of local businesses, creating emotional connections for travelers, and developing lasting experiences for our locals and for visitors.

Effingham Solar Eclipse Grant Program: 2023- 2024

The purpose of Visit Effingham’s solar eclipse grant is:

  • To help develop or bolster the visitor experience during the 2024 solar eclipse driving visitation, overnight stays and increased visitor spending to Effingham.
  • To support and encourage collaboration within Effingham.
  • To assist local organizations in need of financial assistance for events associated with the 2024 solar eclipse.

Visit Effingham has allocated a maximum of $10,000 to be distributed through this grant program on a first come, first serve basis.  The Tourism Advisory Board will consider projects in the order of which they are received. 

Funds requested may be up to $1,500 – which will be reimbursable upon proof of receipts and after the event has happened. Grant funds may not represent more than 50% of the total event costs. Deadline to apply is March 6, 2024.

For more information on grant guidelines, click here. For a copy of the application, click here.

Tourism Advisory Grant Guidelines

Please read the Tourism Advisory Grant Guidelines to see if your event meets the requirements for the grant program. If your grant is accepted, the guidelines will inform you on all requirements of the grant, including using our logo and website on all of your marketing materials.

TAB Grant Guidelines

Tourism Advisory Grant Closing Report

DUE 60 days after the event. Please fill out this report and submit to the Tourism Office. If the Closing Report is not filled out and returned within 60 days of the event, the applicant cannot apply for the grant next year.

TAB Closing Report

Tourism Advisory Grant Application

The grant program is designed to provide needed financial support to events that meet the mission of the Effingham CVB. Please be sure to fill out the entire grant application.

TAB Grant Application

For questions regarding the grant process, please call Jodi Thoele, Director of Tourism, at 217-342-5310 Ext 5305 or jthoele@effinghamil.com