The Enhance Iowa Board will be accepting applications for the new Sports Tourism program beginning Tuesday, Feb. 1.
The program will provide financial assistance for projects that market or promote professional, collegiate and amateur level sporting events in Iowa. Funding for the new program was appropriated during the 2021 legislative session.
Cities, counties, Iowa not-for-profit economic development organizations or other Iowa not-for-profit organizations, including those that sponsor or support sporting events, are eligible to apply. Applicants can request assistance for up to 50% of the eligible cost to actively promote or market an eligible sporting event.
Grant requests may not exceed $500,000. The application form and additional information are available here.
Applications will be accepted on the first of the month, beginning Feb. 1 through June 1, 2022, or until the $1.5 million in program funds are fully allocated.
A webinar will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 14, to explain the program and answer questions from potential applicants.
The Enhance Iowa Board oversees the Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) and Sport Tourism programs. CAT provides financial incentives to communities for the construction of recreational, cultural, educational or entertainment facilities that enhance Iowa’s quality of life. To date, 99 CAT grants totaling $31.5 million have been awarded by the board.
