Tourism Grant Program

The Town of Rome established a hotel/room tax to raise revenue for tourism development and promotion. Visit Rome Wisconsin, Inc. as the designated Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) receives 70% for the hotel/room tax generated on a quarterly basis. Sec. 66.0615(1m)(d)3 states that “A commission shall use the room tax revenue that it receives from a municipality for tourism promotion and tourism development in the zone or in the municipality.”

Visit Rome Wisconsin, Inc. has allocated a percentage of its room tax revenue for the development or expansion of visitor attractions and amenities through a grant program. The mission of the program is to promote the Rome area as a destination by attracting visitors, encouraging overnight stays, increasing visibility and making an overall positive impact in our community. The Visit Rome Wisconsin, Inc. Grant Program will provide partnership funding to help organizations with tourism promotion and tourism development in the Rome area.

Applicable Initiatives:

1. Capital Projects (Non-profit organization or unit of government only)

   1. New capital construction projects

      1. Funds can be used for real estate acquisition, construction or architectural/engineering costs

   2. Upgrades, enhancements, expansions to existing facilities

      1. Funds can be used for real estate acquisition, construction, architectural/engineering costs or space/materials to support an interactive visitor experience

   3. Permanent exhibit installations

      1. Funds can be used to establish exhibits that may stay for a period of months or years, but will continue to be large tourism magnets or have the potential to generate long-term interest, bringing new visitors to the area

2. Events to draw additional people to the area (Non-profit organization or unit of government only)

   1. One time event

      1. Is unique enough that the likelihood of it being repeated is minimal

      2. Must be able to bring in a sufficient amount of visitor spending

   2. New/recurring event

      1. An event that has not been previously held in the Rome area

      2. An event that is intended to repeat regularly

   3. Enhancements to an existing event

      1. A significant enhancement or addition to an event that will create incremental visits to the Rome area

      2. A marketing effort to attract a new demographic audience and/or within a new geographic market

3. Signage (For-profit organization, non-profit organization or unit of government)

   1. Wayfinding (vehicular or trails), On-Site Attraction or Visitor Information

4. Promotional Assistance (For-profit organization, non-profit organization or unit of government)

   1. Print, Digital or Outdoor Advertising intended to create incremental visits to the Rome area

   2. Marketing/Advertising initiative must be targeted to potential visitors outside of a 50 mile radius of Rome

Initiatives not Eligible: Included but not limited to:

1. Feasibility Studies

2. Market Research

3. Annual Fund Drives

4. Endowment Funds

5. Reimbursement for Previously Incurred Expenses

6. Travel and/or Employee Payroll

Deadlines for Applying:

• Round 1 – April 15

• Round 2 – October 15

Grant Process:

1. Submit your application by the stated deadline to Lisa Kubis, Executive Director, Visit Rome Wisconsin Inc., lkubis@visitromewi.com

2. Visit Rome Wisconsin, Inc.’s Tourism Grant Program Committee meets bi-annually to review grant applications

3. Applications approved by the Grant Program Committee are forwarded to the Visit Rome Wisconsin, Inc.’s Board of Directors for their review and approval

4. Applicants will be notified of grant award via email by the end of the month following the application deadline month

Funds Available & Use of Grants:

• Visit Rome Wisconsin Inc.’s Tourism Grants will not be more than 50% of the total cost of the project

• Funding match by recipient can come from the operating budget or may be secured from other grants, donors, sponsors or other sources

• Grant funds may not be spent on operating costs or reoccurring expenses

Payment of Grants:

• Grant recipients will receive 70% of the funds upon completion of the project. The remaining 30% will be paid after the Grant Follow Up Report has been submitted and reviewed by the Visit Rome Wisconsin, Inc.’s Board of Directors.

• This will be the procedure for payment unless another specified payment schedule is outlined in the grant application and approved by the Visit Rome Wisconsin, Inc.’s Board of Directors.

Every grant application will be considered on its own merits. 

It is within Visit Rome Wisconsin, Inc.’s authority to approve or deny a grant request for any reason, in accordance with the Wisconsin State Statute 66.0615.

2023 Grant Awards

Adams County Parks & Rec | Lake Arrowhead Park Improvements $4,000

Lake Arrowhead Association | Fish Habitat & Fish Stocking $15,000

Town of Rome, Community Dev Authority | Beautification Project/Mural $5,000

Town of Rome, Dyracuse Park | Promotional Assistance $1,110

Town of Rome Parks & Rec | Waldon Park Vegetation Restoration $5,300

Town of Rome, Lester Public Library | Winter Programming $600

Up North Brewery | Signage & Promotional Assistance $3,516

Lake Arrowhead & Eagles Nest Guest House | Golf Sweepstakes Campaign $2,500

Room to Roam Dog Park | Storage Shed $2,500

Lake Camelot Property Owner’s Assoc. | Beach Restoration $15,660

Adams County Historical Society | Museum Upgrades $1,500

Foss’ Garden Center | Signage $550

Lake Arrowhead & Lodging Partners | Co-op Advertising Program $10,000

2021-2022 Grant Awards

Sand Valley | Winter Recreation $13,000

Sno-Bandits | Tractor for Grooming $14,750

Town of Rome, Dyracuse Park | Survey & Construction $6,741

Town of Rome Fire Department | SCBA Equipment $10,000

Town of Rome Parks & Rec | Waldon Park Kayak Launch Area $6,457

Shermalot | Stage & Dock Entry, Equipment $15,000

Room to Roam Dog Park | Fencing $2,940

Adams Cty Park & Rec | Lake Arrowhead Playset $45,127

Home Town Rome Players | Harmony Park $5,000

WI Trapshooters Association | Event Advertising & Signage $4,800

Rome Outdoors | New Business Support $2,355

American Legion Auxiliary | Wine Tasting Event Expense $2,000

Dove’s Nest | Donor Appeal & Property Improvements $2,500

Lake Arrowhead & Eagle’s Nest | Group Golf Ad Campaign $5,000

Monroe Prairie ATV Club | Tractor for Trail Grooming $12,194