Destination Fort Benton: Sub-Grant Program

APPLICATION FOR FUNDING REQUEST

Note: Applications must be submitted using the online form below.
You may 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. If you need assistance, please contact Joellyn Clark at fortbentontourism@gmail.com, or call 406-799-4704.

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 while also enhancing the quality of life for residents.

Grant Awards
Grants are available in the following amounts:

  • Mini grants: $1,000–$5,000
    Available for non-profit organizations and private businesses.
    At least 10% matching funds required.

  • Major grants: $5,000–$30,000
    Available for non-profit organizations only.
    At least 10% matching funds required.

Applications with more matching funds will be ranked higher. Matching funds may include
in-kind donations, volunteer hours valued at $20/hour, and other grant funds.

Important Dates
Applications due: March 1, 2026, 11:59 PM
Grant period begins: May 1, 2026
Grant period ends: March 1, 2027

Eligibility

  • Applicants may be non-profits or private businesses (mini grants only).

  • Projects must be located within the City of Fort Benton.

  • 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 between May 1, 2026 and March 1, 2027.
    Reimbursements cannot be made for work invoiced prior to May 1, 2026.

  • Reimbursement only: no upfront funding.

  • Monthly attendance at Destination Fort Benton meetings is required during the duration of the project.

  • 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

Provides measurable impact on visitor traffic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 points
Improves the visitor experience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 points
Contributes to Downtown beautification and revitalization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 points
Adds shoulder-season (May and September) or winter tourism support . . . . 20 points
Addresses a recommendation from tourism assessment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 points
Addresses an urgent need or safety concern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 points
Enhances a historic tourism asset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 points
Appeals to a broad target market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 points
Provides positive community and resident impact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 points
Includes matching or diverse funding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 points
Includes long term sustainability/maintenance plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 points
Project is shovel-ready and provides immediate impact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 points
Application is complete with supporting documents included . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 points

Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .260 points

DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION—DUE MARCH 1, 2026

DESTINATION DEVELOPMENT TOURISM ASSESSMENT—
List of project recommendations