Tourism Enhancement

Overview:

Tourism is one of the largest industries and most important economic drivers in Tennessee. The purpose of this grant is to support Tourism Development projects by eligible grantees to allow for the creation or expansion of physical attractions, facilities, or events that are available and open to the public, that improve the appeal of the destinations to tourists, and that enhance tourist experiences that are primarily promoted to or used by tourists.

Grant at a Glance:

  • Eligible grantees include a non-profit entity, e.g. non-profit unincorporated community such as a historic village, or a Tennessee local or a quasi-governmental entity.
    • Historic Village means a settlement or collection of buildings that are preserved to represent a specific period in history.
  • Up to $100,000 grant with a grantee participation commitment based upon the grantee’s economic status.
  • Approximately 25-30 grants will be awarded, depending on available funds
  • Project must be completed on applicant-owned property, or property leased by the applicant from TVA or the US Army Corps of Engineers that has a remaining term of at least the useful life of the project
  • Prior Tourism Enhancement grantees (Rounds 6 & 7) with completely, officially CLOSED grants will be eligible to submit an application. Tourism Enhancement grantees with OPEN grant projects are automatically ineligible.
  • More than one application within a county may be submitted

Timeline:

Jul 14, 2025                       Applications open

Aug 22, 2025                     Applications due

Aug 25 – 27, 2025            Application review/score period

Aug 28, 2025                     Group application review/discussion/finalize awards

Sep 5, 2025                        Award notifications and contracts

Oct 31, 2025                      Signed contracts due

Jun 30, 2026                      Reimbursement request paperwork due for work completed within fiscal year 2026

Sep 30, 2026                     Annual reports due

May 29, 2027                    Projects must be completed, reimbursement request paperwork and final reports due

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