The Kankakee County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) Board of Directors continues investing in Kankakee County tourism efforts by expanding on the good work done to drive visitation. It is pleased to announce funding for projects that add vibrancy to the communities in Kankakee County and will generate new economic impact through visitation by non-residents.
Other purposes of this grant funding include: Expansion of the tourism product in Kankakee County; expanding existing or creating new visitor experiences in Kankakee County to attract new visitors and extend the length of stay of current visitors; providing co-op marketing assistance to support new signature events that will generate overnight visitation to Kankakee County; and generating overnight visitors and measurable hotel room nights in Kankakee County.
These Community Tourism Action Plan (CTAP) grants, which have not been available since 2016, will help stimulate more progress and growth in Kankakee County’s tourism industry, which generated $5.6 million in direct local tax revenue in 2021. Since the bureau’s inception, Kankakee County and its municipalities have benefited economically from growth in tourism visitation. The organization desires to stimulate more progress and development, as the county emerges from the pandemic.
CTAP grants are investments in tourism-related projects that foster and stimulate increased visitation and visitor spending within Kankakee County.
Nicole Gavin, executive director of the CVB stated, “We were thrilled to have such a robust response for 23 projects in Kankakee County!”
The board of directors reviewed all applications, met with an independent consultant from MMGY Next Factor, who provided funding recommendations, and ultimately made the award funding decision. The CVB will award $647,500, funding for 10 organizations and projects. Recipients receiving up to $24,999 in grant funding were required to secure a 25 percent match. Those awarded $25,000 or more needed to ensure a 50 percent match.
Grant recipients are: Kankakee Riverfront Society – $500,000; Locavore Farm – $50,000; Village of Bourbonnais – $50,000; Adventure Christian Church/Adventure Commons – $15,000; Bourbonnais Township Park District – $10,000; Community Arts Council of Kankakee County and Kankakee County Historical Society – $5,000; Connect Roasters – $5,000; Deer Ridge Barn – $5,000; Knack Brewing and Fermentations – $5,000; and Collaborative Initiative to Revive Kankakee Arts (CIRKA) – $2,500.
A second cycle of this grant will begin August 1, with an application deadline of September 15, and applicant notification by September 29. The board expects to invest up to $1 million in funding this year and dedicate as much as 25 percent of its annual budget toward grants.
Further questions should be directed to Nicole Gavin, at nicole@kccvb.com.