Destination Fort Benton: Sub-Grant Program

APPLICATION FOR FUNDING REQUEST

Note: Applications can be submitted using the online form below, by mail, or by e-mail at fortbentontourism@gmail.com.
If submitting online, please download the application to work on your answers, then fill out the online form in one session. We are not able to save application sessions.

Program Purpose
This grant is a sub-award of the Montana Department of Commerce (MDOC) Pilot Community Tourism Grant Program (PCTGP). It aims to support organizations and businesses that contribute to Fort Benton's tourism economy and enhance the quality of life for residents. Grants up to $5,000 are available for projects located within the City of Fort Benton.

Important Dates
Applications due: Postmarked or submitted by July 15, 2025
Grant period ends: May 1, 2026

Eligibility

  • Applicants may be non-profits or private businesses.

  • Projects should aim to improve visitation numbers, visitor experiences, or tourism asset beautification.

  • Projects must align with MDOC PCTGP guidelines.

  • All work must be completed and expenses submitted by May 1, 2026.

  • Reimbursement only: no upfront funding.

  • Monthly attendance at Destination Fort Benton meetings is required.

  • Contractors must be licensed and insured.

✅ Eligible Expenses

  • Infrastructure improvements and/or beautification projects related to businesses, buildings, and tourism assets that have an impact on visitor experience.

  • Marketing expenses to increase exposure and visitation at events or tourism sites.

  • Expenses related to planning new events that will increase visitation.

  • Professional or contracted services related to planning, execution, or implementation of projects.

  • Procurement-related costs

❌ Ineligible Expenses

  • Ongoing operational costs (e.g., web hosting, memberships)

  • Administrative expenses

  • Capital equipment purchases

  • Travel, per diem, and training expenses

  • Any ineligible expenses in the Pilot Community Tourism Grant Program guidelines.

Scoring Criteria

Measurable impact on visitor traffic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 points
Alignment with Destination Fort Benton goals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 points
Shoulder-season (May and September) or winter tourism support . . . .20 points
Addresses a recommendation from tourism assessment . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 points
Long term sustainability/maintenance plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 points
Broad target market appeal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 points
Resident appeal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 points
Timely fund usage (likely to use funds during grant period . . . . . . . . . . .20 points
Matching or diverse funding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 points
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200 points

DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION—DUE JULY 15, 2025

DESTINATION DEVELOPMENT TOURISM ASSESSMENT—
List of project recommendations