New Jersey Tourism Grant Opportunities

The New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism (NJTT) is pleased to offer both Cooperative Marketing Grants and Destination Marketing Organization Grants. Here's a step-by-step process for submitting.

  1. Log into the System for Administering Grants Electronically (SAGE).
  2. Submit a Declaration of Intent (DOI) to file for both the Cooperative Marketing Grant and the Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) Grant. It is suggested to submit as soon as possible in order to gain access to the grant application. Please review your information carefully and be sure that you are submitting the appropriate DOI for the application, for which you intend to apply. You may not have the opportunity to make modifications to your DOI once it has been submitted.
  3. Applicants will be given access to the appropriate application only once the DOI has been approved.
  4. Once the DOI has been approved, it is incumbent upon the applicant to then create an application. It is also very important to make note of and adhere to all deadlines. If you are unsure if your DOI or application has been received or approved by the Division, please contact the Division of Travel and Tourism.

Awards are contingent upon available funds in the Fiscal Year budget for which you are applying. The Division of Travel and Tourism reserves the right to reject applications that are not consistent with its mission, goals and objectives.

Contact

Organizations who would like additional information or who have specific questions on the grant programs may contact Bernice Harris at the New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism, (609) 777-4109 or bernice.harris@sos.nj.gov.

Resources

If you have not yet registered for SAGE, follow the instructions below or review the video.

Want to view specific sections of the process? Access the sections here:

 


Cooperative Marketing Grant

 

The Cooperative Marketing Grant Program is a collaboration between the New Jersey Department of State, Division of Travel and Tourism and the New Jersey travel industry, whose goal is to promote New Jersey as a premier travel destination. Funding will be provided to promote and market specific tourism opportunities in New Jersey.

The Cooperative Marketing Grant Program is open to any New Jersey organization that can demonstrate a significant interest in the New Jersey tourism industry. Organizations must show a match of 25% from partners or sponsors that are Non-State funding sources. State funds awarded for the Cooperative Marketing Grant plus the non-state match must be spent on your marketing program. The match cannot be in-kind, cash on hand or bartered services.

Guidelines

  • Applications must be submitted through the System for Administering Grants Electronically (SAGE); paper applications will not be accepted.
  • Applicants must complete a Declaration of Intent (DOI), to be eligible to apply.
  • Applications will be made available in SAGE, to the applicant upon approval of the applicant’s DOI. Note: Please use the presentation provided above to learn how to access and create your new application.
  • Please keep your eye on this website for any updates to the grant process.

Resources

 

FY24 Cooperative Marketing Grant

Deadlines

  • April 17, 2024, 3:30 p.m. - Interim Reports Due
  • February 14, 2025, 3:30 p.m. - Final Reports Due

 

FY25 Cooperative Marketing Grant

Deadlines

  • March 4, 2024 - An electronic Declaration of Intent (DOI) to apply will be available in SAGE.
  • March 8, 2024 - Application process opens for any completed and approved DOI applications.
  • June 5, 2024, 3:30 p.m. est. - You must complete a Declaration of Intent (DOI) in order to apply for the grant.
  • June 12, 2024, 3:30 p.m. est. - Completed applications must be submitted in SAGE for the FY25 grant cycle.
  • April 18, 2025, 3:30 p.m. - Interim Reports Due
  • February 14, 2026, 3:30 p.m. - Final Reports Due
  • December 31, 2025 - Grant Period Ends

 


FY23 Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) Grant - CLOSED

*Due to changes to the program, the DMO Grant will be awarded for three years.

A Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) serves to promote and market tourism of a destination in our State as their primary function. A destination can be a single city, a group of municipalities or a defined region. The DMO works with hotels, restaurants, attractions and smaller tourism entities to offer the visitor a place to obtain information when planning a visit for business or pleasure. The DMO must work with area businesses to drive visitation when and where it is most appropriate. It must also be an advocate for the tourism industry.

The FY23 DMO Grant program is open to any organization that meets the qualifications of an established Destination Marketing Organization (see DMO Handbook for eligibility requirements). Organizations must show a match equal to 25% of the grant request, from partners or sponsors that are non-State funding sources. The match cannot be in-kind. Maximum request is $300,000.

Guidelines

  • Applications must be submitted through the System for Administering Grants Electronically (SAGE); paper applications will not be accepted.
  • Applicants must complete a Declaration of Intent (DOI), in SAGE, to be eligible to apply.
  • Declaration of Intent (DOI) will be available March 3, 2022. Applications will be made available upon review and approval of the DOI.
  • Please keep your eye on this website for any updates to the grant process.

Resources

Deadlines

DMO 2nd Year

  • March 15, 2024, 3:30 p.m. - Interim Reports Due
  • August 15, 2024, 3:30 p.m. - Final Reports Due

DMO 3rd Year

  • May 13, 2024 - Rollover application available.
  • June 21, 2024 - Completed applications must be submitted in SAGE.
  • March 14, 2025, 3:30 p.m. - Interim Reports Due
  • August 15, 2025, 3:30 p.m. - Final Reports Due
  • June 30, 2026 - Grant Period Ends

Cooperative Marketing Grant Recipients

Destination Marketing Organizations Grant Recipients