The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (the “Department” or “DCEO”) is issuing this Notice of Funding Opportunity (“NOFO”) to award grants to certified convention and visitors bureaus (CVBs) for the development of tourism, education, preservation and promotion of the 100th anniversary of Route 66 in 2026.
Donor Name: Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
State: Illinois
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 06/11/2026
Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000
Grant Duration: 1 Year
Details:
Since 1926, Route 66 defined a remarkable era in our nation’s history and it lives on today in Illinois’ many Route 66 roadside attractions, museums and restaurants. Route 66 is one of the most famous roads in America. Generations of travelers have romanticized this highway as a symbol of unlimited mobility and freedom of the road. Its iconic status is enhanced by the unprecedented volume of music,books, films, and other art forms that depict it as the essence of America’s highway culture.
Preference will be given to projects that:
- Are statewide in nature and benefit the entire Illinois portion of Route 66, from Chicago to Chain of Rocks Bridge.
- Develop new or enhance existing attractions that elevate the Route 66 experience in Illinois for visitors.
- Support improved wayfinding for visitors traveling Route 66.
- Strengthen future tourism trends that includes electrified transportation (i.e., electric vehicles and preferably super chargers.
Funding Information
Total amount of funding expected to be awarded through this NOFO is $2,000,000. Awards will range from $20,000 to $500,000.
Grant Period
The period of performance is expected to be date of grant execution through June 30, 2027.
Eligible Projects
Eligible Projects and Activities include, but are not limited to – Construction, creation, implementation and fabrication of exhibits for the purpose of creating or enhancing tourism attractions, including but not limited to museums, roadside attractions, murals, etc.
Eligibility Criteria
- An entity must be registered in the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Grantee Portal. The portal will verify that the entity:
- Has a valid FEIN number
- Has a current SAM.gov registration. SAM.gov registrations must be marked as “public” to allow the GATA Grantee Portal to expedite the review of the federal information;
- Has a valid UEI number
- Is not on the Federal Excluded Parties List
- Is in Good Standing with the Illinois Secretary of State, as applicable
- Is not on the Illinois Stop Payment list; and
- Is not on the Department of Healthcare and Family Services Provider Sanctions list
- Eligible applicants include convention and visitors bureaus certified by the Department pursuant to 20 ILCS.
For more information, visit DCEO.
