Are you involved in an event, convention, tournament, or facility that draws visitors to Mason City?

You may be eligible for financial support through the Visit Mason City Tourism Marketing Grant Program! 

The application for the FY2024-25 Tourism Marketing Grant Program is now available!

>>CLICK HERE to complete your grant application.

Important Dates

Round 1 Deadline: 4 PM on January 15, 2025 – For marketing projects completed between October 1, 2024, and September 30, 2025.
Round 2 Deadline: 4 PM on April 15, 2025 – For marketing projects completed between March 1, 2025, and September 30, 2025.

Grant Overview & Requirements
The Tourism Marketing Grant offers reimbursement funding for projects that promote tourism in Mason City, targeting visitors from beyond a 90-mile radius. Applicants must submit quoted bids or estimates with their application, and priority is given to projects that attract visitors during off-peak seasons (September-May) or weekdays (Monday-Thursday). Grant recipients are encouraged to partner with Mason City vendors where possible.

Eligible Projects Include

• Marketing design, production, and placements (brochures, ads, websites, social media, etc.) targeting visitors outside a 90-mile radius.
• Purchase of marketing lists, Google AdWords, or search engine marketing tools targeting non-local visitors.
• Off-site signage (e.g., billboards, wayfinding) to attract out-of-town visitors.
• Shuttle services and local transportation for tourists.
• Welcome reception food and non-alcoholic beverages for guests.

Grant Amount & Cash Match

• Request Range: $100 to $1,000 (in $25 increments).
• Grants cover up to 50% of eligible project costs or $1,000, whichever is lower.
• A 50% cash match from the applicant is required.

Tagline & Logo Requirements
Awarded projects must display the Visit Mason City logo or the tagline: “Sponsored in part by VisitMasonCityIowa.com,” with a link to www.VisitMasonCityIowa.com.

Application Process & Assistance
Applications must be complete to be eligible. Visit Mason City staff can provide application assistance by appointment (Monday-Friday, 8 AM-4:30 PM).

Contact:
 📧 [email protected]
 📞 641-422-1663 / 800-423-5724

Appointments must occur at least three business days before the application deadline. Applications submitted within three days of the deadline will not receive assistance.

Evaluation Criteria

• Number of visitors and lodging rooms generated.
• Marketing reach beyond a 90-mile radius.
• Off-season and weekday visitation impact.
• Clear distribution plans and target audience.