$5,000–$50,000 available to support tourism-driven community projects across the Northwoods
MINOCQUA, WI — The Greater Minocqua Area Visitors Bureau, Inc. is pleased to announce the return of its Community Investment Fund, a room tax-supported grant program designed to reinvest tourism dollars into projects that strengthen the communities where residents live, work, and welcome visitors. Applications for the upcoming grant cycle will be open May 1 through July 30, with grants supporting projects planned for the following fiscal year. Awards will range from a few thousand dollars up to $50,000, with most grants awarded around $5,000. “This fund is all about bringing tourism dollars home,” said Krystal Westfahl, President & CEO of the Minocqua Area Visitors Bureau. “Visitors help fuel our local economy—and this program helps ensure those dollars are reinvested into projects that improve both the visitor experience and everyday life for our residents.”
A Grant Program Built for Local Impact
Tourism strengthens the Minocqua Area through jobs, business revenue, and shared community amenities. The Community Investment Fund closes the loop— supporting projects that align with Wisconsin room tax requirements while delivering meaningful benefits across the region. The program is overseen by the Community Investment Fund Committee, made up of Board members from the Greater Minocqua Area Visitors Bureau, Inc.
Who Can Apply
Eligible applicants include:
• 501(c)(3) public charities
• 501(c)(6) organizations
• Local businesses
• Municipal governments
Applicants may submit one application per grant cycle, with the option to reapply in future cycles.
What Projects Qualify
Projects must support tourism in a major way, consistent with Wisconsin statute. Competitive projects will demonstrate benefit to residents while enhancing visitor appeal and potential overnight stays. Eligible projects generally fall within one (or more) of the following categories:
• Tangible Development – capital improvements, facility upgrades, or lasting enhancements
• Exceptional Events – programs or events marketed beyond the local area to attract visitors
• Public Information – wayfinding, interpretive signage, educational tools, or visitor guidance resources
Projects that serve more than one community, encourage collaboration across groups, and leverage additional funding sources will be viewed favorably.
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.
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
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.
Key Dates
• Application Deadline: July 30
• Award Notifications: Approximately seven weeks after the deadline
• Final Report Due: Within 60 days of project completion
Ready to Apply or Have Questions? Contact Krystal Westfahl, President & CEO Minocqua Area Visitors Bureau info@minocqua.org 715-356-5266
About the Minocqua Area Visitors Bureau
The Greater Minocqua Area Visitors Bureau, Inc. is a destination marketing organization dedicated to strategically marketing to visitors for the purpose of fostering conditions for positive economic impact. Our vision is to welcome you into your authentic Northwoods experience—while strengthening the communities we call home through tourism promotion, partnership, and thoughtful reinvestment.
