Community Investment Fund Grant
The Minocqua Area Visitors Bureau is thrilled to launch the Community Investment Fund—a grant program that puts our room tax zone tourism dollars to work in the places we call home. This initiative is all about reinvesting in projects that uplift the quality of life for the people who live, work, visit, and thrive in our Northwoods communities.
Why It Matters
Tourism is the heartbeat of our region. It brings in visitors, yes—but more than that, it supports local jobs, generates tax revenue, and helps fund the amenities and experiences we all enjoy. The Community Investment Fund helps close the loop, ensuring the dollars our visitors contribute are reinvested back into projects that benefit our residents directly.
How It Works
The grant program is overseen by the Community Investment Fund committee, made up of board members from the Greater Minocqua Area Visitors Bureau, Inc. These grants will support projects that both improve the visitor experience and enhance everyday life for those of us lucky enough to live here.
Keep in mind: Wisconsin law requires room tax funds to support tourism in a major way, so all projects need to meet that requirement while still delivering meaningful, local impact.
Who Can Apply?
We’re inviting applications from:
Grants will range from a few thousand dollars up to $50,000, with most awards landing around the $5,000 mark. No project is too big or too small—we want to hear from you.
What We’re Looking For
The most competitive projects will hit multiple priorities. We're especially excited about proposals that:
- Make life better for residents
- Serve more than one community or municipality
- Foster collaboration across groups or sectors
- Use additional funding sources to stretch impact
- Help locals see and feel the positive effects of tourism
What Qualifies?
To stay aligned with state statutes, most projects will fall into one (or more) of these categories:
- Tangible Development – Think capital improvements, facility upgrades, or anything that adds lasting value for both residents and visitors.
- Exceptional Events – Programs or events with broad marketing reach that bring in a crowd from beyond our usual audience.
- Public Information – Wayfinding, interpretive signage, or educational pieces that improve the visitor journey.
Bundling Related Projects Allowed: Applicants may combine multiple project elements within a single application when they share a clear connection (such as improvements within one park, or cohesive wayfinding across a region). Budgets must be itemized by component.
Executive Approval Required
To ensure organizational alignment and transparency, each application must include approval from the organization’s top leader. Typed names and email addresses submitted through the online portal will count as electronic signatures. Who should sign:
• Nonprofits: Executive Director or CEO
• Government entities: Highest-ranking official
• All-volunteer organizations: Board President
• Businesses: Business owner
Lodging Partner Letters of Support Strongly Encouraged
Because room tax grant projects must directly support tourism and may help increase overnight stays, applicants are strongly encouraged to include at least two Letters of Support from local lodging businesses such as hotels, inns, resorts, B&Bs, and short-term rentals. These letters should confirm that the project would appeal to guests and may contribute to overnight visits. Letters should be submitted as PDF attachments with the application.
Application Support & Grant Consultations Available
Because room tax funding guidelines can be nuanced, the Minocqua Area Visitors Bureau encourages prospective applicants to connect before submitting. “We want applicants to feel confident they’re submitting a strong, eligible project,” Westfahl said. “A quick conversation early in the process can help shape ideas, strengthen tourism connections, and improve the final submission.” Applicants are invited to schedule a brief, informal consultation before applying.
Contact Krystal Westfahl, President & CEO
info@minocqua.org
715-356-5266
Ready to Apply?
Key Dates
• Application Opens: May 1
• Application Deadline: July 30
• Award Notifications: Approximately seven weeks after the deadline
• Final Report Due: Within 60 days of project completion
We’re so excited about the possibilities this fund creates. Together, we can build something meaningful that keeps our communities strong and our Northwoods vibrant for years to come.
