Visitor Information Center Grant Program

Western Montana's Glacier Country has long supported community-based visitor information centers (VICs) with training and financial assistance. Studies show that community-based VICs are more likely to be used by first-time visitors to that area. Visitors who use VICs spend more time in the community, are more likely to stay longer, experience more of what the community has to offer and have a better overall experience. Visitors engage with travel counselors, use informational materials and are more likely to change their trip plans based on the information they obtain. VICs do a great job of influencing visitors—helping them learn about what there is to see and do in our region’s communities. 

PROGRAM PURPOSE AND GOALS 

The Western Montana’s Glacier Country Visitor Information Center Grant Program provides funding to supplement staffing costs that allow a VIC to keep or extend their hours during peak visitor season.

We have committed a total of $80,000 for staffing assistance to this program. Staffing assistance up to $10,000 is available, depending on the number of hours open per week. The minimum number of hours to be open per week is 30. For VICs open between 30 and 39 hours, the grant amount is up to $6,000. For 40 to 49 hours per week, the grant is up to $8,000. For 50 or more hours per week, the grant is up to $10,000. The center must be open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

PROJECT ELIGIBILITY RULES AND GUIDELINES

Applicants must be based within Glacier Country’s eight-county region, which includes Flathead, Glacier, Lake, Lincoln, Mineral, Missoula, Ravalli and Sanders counties.

Eligible entities include:

• Nonprofit organizations in good standing with the Montana Secretary of State
• Economic development organizations
• Local governments (city, county, consolidated governments)
• Tribal governments and organizations

Examples include chambers of commerce, tourism improvement districts, economic development authorities and established visitor information centers.

Applicants cannot be destination organizations that collect the Montana Lodging Facility Use Tax. 

PROGRAM RESOURCES

The following resources are available to help you navigate the VIC Grant Program:

• VIC Grant Program At a Glance — A quick-reference overview of eligibility, funding levels and key dates.
• VIC Grant Program Guidelines — A comprehensive walk-through of program requirements, application steps and post-grant reporting. Useful both before you apply and after your grant period concludes.

Applications open each spring. For questions, please contact our office at 406.532.3234.