The Inspire Iowa Cultural Tourism Grant program supports a limited number of highly visible and high-impact arts, culture and heritage events, performances, productions or exhibitions. Projects will attract new visitors to Iowa communities and showcase our state as a cultural tourism destination.
Iowa’s creative sector generates more than $4.5 billion of economic impact annually, while stimulating local spending, supporting the broader hospitality industry, and attracting millions of visitors to our state.
Inspire Iowa is a partnership between the Iowa Tourism Office and Iowa Arts Council and is administered by the Iowa Economic Development Authority. Funding is made possible through the Iowa Tourism Office.
Those selected will receive $25,000 - $50,000 (max award of $100,000) with 1:1 cash match requirement
Eligibility
Nonprofit arts, cultural or humanities organizations or communities that operate a cultural facility in Iowa. The organization must maintain a cash operating expense budget, exclusive of other IEDA grant support, of no less than $250,000 per year.
Application Process
- Read the full guidelines below
- Submit an online application by October 9, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. for award period of July 1, 2024 – December 31, 2026
Managing Your Grant
- Submit a Request for Reimbursement
- Submit the Final Report Form (for FY 2024 awardees)
Note: All grant recipients will be required to report on the following performance measurements for this grant:
- Overall attendance/admissions or ticket sales of exhibit/event (locals and non-locals)
- Attendance of non-local visitors (those who traveled 50+ miles, based on zip code)
- ROI of Event/Exhibit = Revenue Generated / (State Investment + Local Investment)