The City of Pekin’s Tourism brand, Discover Pekin, offers grants and sponsorships supported by hotel/motel tax dollars. The purpose of these funding opportunities is to promote the growth of tourism, sports, events and convention related business within or near the City of Pekin.
Tourism Grants may be requested by event organizers for qualified expense reimbursement of 1/3 of expenses or $1,500, whichever is less. The Tourism Grant Application (attached) must be completed.
Events hosted by nonprofit organizations in Pekin may also be eligible for sponsorships. Sponsorship requests can be made prior to an event and would typically be used for such things as event promotion and advertising.
Grants and sponsorships should align with our goals of promoting tourism, driving economic impact, and enhancing our city’s reputation, and will be based on the following criteria.
- Tourism and Economic Impact
- Visitor Attraction: The event should attract out-of-town visitors, ideally staying overnight in local accommodations.
- Economic Benefits: Demonstrated potential to boost local businesses, such as hotels, restaurants, and shops.
- Attendance Metrics: Expected number of attendees, particularly non-residents.
- Seasonal Balance: Events that fill gaps in the city’s tourism calendar (e.g., off-season periods) may receive higher priority.
- Alignment with City Goals
- Brand Alignment: The event should align with the city’s tourism brand or strategic marketing objectives.
- Community Appeal: Events that reflect the culture, history, or unique characteristics of the city.
- Inclusivity and Diversity: Encouragement of events that promote cultural diversity and inclusivity.
- Measurable Outcomes
- Marketing Reach: Clear strategies for regional, national, or international marketing, potentially including the city logo or acknowledgment in promotional materials.
- Media Coverage: Anticipated media exposure that benefits the city’s image.
- Reporting: Organizers should provide post-event reports, including metrics on attendance, economic impact, and promotional efforts.
- Financial Considerations
- Matching Funds: Preference for events with other sources of funding or sponsorships, reducing reliance on city funds.
- Budget Transparency: A detailed budget showing how city funds will be used.
- Non-Profit vs. For-Profit: we prioritize non-profit organizations or community-oriented events.
- Operational Feasibility
- Well-Organized Plans: Evidence of detailed planning, including permits, safety measures, and logistics.
- Past Performance: For recurring events, history of success in achieving goals and compliance with city requirements.
- Community Engagement
- Volunteer Opportunities: Events that engage local residents as volunteers or participants.
- Educational or Cultural Value: Inclusion of workshops, seminars, or activities that enhance public knowledge or cultural appreciation.
Grant applications and sponsorship requests can be submitted to Joshua Wray at jlwray@ci.pekin.il.us and are reviewed each month at the City of Pekin Tourism Committee.