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.
Got a Creative Idea? Let’s Chat!
If you’ve got something in mind that doesn’t fit the mold but still supports tourism and benefits the community—let’s talk. We’re open to unique and innovative proposals.
Ready to Apply?
Because of the nuances around room tax funding, we recommend reaching out before you submit a formal application. Let’s talk it through and make sure your idea is a fit.
Contact Krystal Westfahl, President & CEO
info@minocqua.org
715-356-5266
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.
