An additional round for operations grants submissions has been added for the 2018-19 New Event Grant Program. Beginning April 1, 2019, applicants throughout the state are eligible to apply for the remaining $20,000 in grant funds for new events operations. Applications must be for events that begin after June 1, 2019, and end before May 1, 2021.

The new events grant program is designed to generate economic impact and increase media awareness of the state as an event destination by securing or creating new events in communities. Applicants must meet the minimum eligibility requirements and point thresholds to be considered for this opportunity.

Eligible events must be new to Minnesota and open to the public. Applicants must demonstrate support from a local tourism organization, have available lodging capacity, and agree to generate other funding (minimally two-thirds of cash expenses).

The minimum grant request is $5,000, with a maximum of $20,000 per event. State funding is capped at one-third of total cash expenditures per event, and all awarded grants are conditional based on the successful negotiation and execution of contracts.

Applications must be for events that begin at least two months after the application submission date. Applications will be reviewed and awarded in the order they are received until all available funds are completely awarded. Only complete applications will be reviewed. The review committee will evaluate all eligible and complete applications shortly after submission, and selected grantee(s) will be notified within three weeks after the submission with their grant award status. Only one grant application is allowed per organization for this grant funding cycle.

Grant guidelines and applications can be found at mn.gov/tourism-industry/industry-opportunities/grant-programs/new-events.jsp.

Questions on the New Events Grant Program: 
Email or call Lori Peterson 
Lori.A.Peterson@state.mn.us
651-757-1876