Best Travel and Tourism Grants in Nevada

Nevada Division of Tourism

The Division of Tourism (Travel Nevada) operates within the Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs (DTCA) to help achieve the Governor’s strategic priority of ensuring Nevada is recognized for its world-class destinations, its innovative and business-friendly economic environment, its quality of life, and its efficiently and effectively run state government. In addition to managing state tourism efforts, the Division provides communities and businesses with development resources, training, and grant assistance that help bolster local economic bases and diversify regional economies.

Mission: Effectively promote statewide tourism to enhance the economic vitality of Nevada. Vision: A vibrant quality of life for all Nevadans.

Rural Marketing Grant Program

The Nevada State Legislature has appropriate funds for the Nevada Department of Tourism to make available as matching grants for the fiscal year to support marketing efforts that develop, promote, and improve tourism to and within the state of Nevada. Through the Rural Marketing Grants program, the Division of Tourism will make available $1.5 million in funding in FY2027. 50% match requirement, cash or in-kind contributions. 

Rural Marketing Grants help Nevada communities market their destination to potential visitors in an effort to generate overnight stays. Travel Nevada awards $1.5 million each year to rural partners for a variety of marketing projects including paid advertising, promotion of signature events, travel trade and consumer shows, tourism community assessments and production of video and image assets.

Nonprofit organizations and eligible institutions working on ecotourism, private land conservation, or ecosystem restoration in Nevada can apply for grants of US $5,000 - US $25,000. Grants from Biophilia Foundation help U.S. projects, with emphasis on the arid Southwest, that advance biodiversity, restorative economies, and nature-based environmental stewardship benefiting travel and tourism experiences.

Timothy S.Y. Lam Foundation

The mission of the Timothy S.Y. Lam Foundation is to support research, education, and training within the hospitality industry by bestowing scholarships and grants to those seeking careers or advancement in the hospitality industry; funding education programs that promote the hospitality industry; and awarding research grants to those interested in blending academia with practical industry know-how. 

Primary Goals: To support the professional development and academic advancement of the hospitality industry by continuing to support the foundation’s current programs, promote recipients, maintain positive working relationships with associations, and provide support to underserved communities with individuals pursuing hospitality education, training, and job advancement. 

In 2024, TSYLF introduced new initiatives to support and empower underserved communities and underprivileged and underemployed individuals. We invite all hospitality associations, students, research teams, and professionals to explore how the Timothy S.Y. Lam Foundation can support your educational and professional endeavors in the field of hospitality. 

Research Grants

Grantmaking Focus

The foundation supports programs that are practical and directly benefit the hospitality industry. Of particular interest are efforts that apply rigorous academic research to solve practical hospitality issues. All grants are measured on the direct results of improved efficiency and efficacy for the hospitality industry. The Foundation emphasizes activities in the following areas and organizations that work in the following areas:

• Research programs that improve employment possibilities and career advancement for those entering or incumbents in the hospitality industry.
• Research programs that enhance efficiency in the hospitality industry.
• Articles or textbooks that contribute to the comprehensive body of knowledge and/or promote industry practices, standards, and ethics.
• Practical and applicable research projects with immediate benefit to the hospitality industry.

Grants are payable to the organization or institution and not to an individual.

Grant funding is dispersed in two payments. One payment will be made upon award approval and the second will be made once the research grant report has been submitted.

Research Grant funding should be used for the following:

• TSYLF funds should be used for research facility overhead and general maintenance.
• TSYLF funds can be used for reasonable software, computer systems or programs to organize, track and store data.
• TSYLF funds can be used for tangible research items such printed documents, writing utensils, books, office supplies or related tools and materials needed to document research and practical observations.
• TSYLF will fund equipment or materials used for hands-on training such as cleaning, and sanitation supplies, safety items or other personal protection, furnishings found in hotels, restaurants or other hospitality related facilities being used to observe applicable productivity or conditions.
• TSYLF funds can be used to obtain proper permits for conducting research or staging a practical observation or production space.
• TSYLF funds can be used be used for creating resource material and related distribution costs to hospitality professionals, businesses and educators.
• TSYLF funds can be used for support materials or services for hosting focus groups, interviews or other activities related to the research topic.
• TSYLF funds should be used wisely for reasonable and cost-effective accommodations for staff, research team and subjects such as meals, travel or lodging.
• TSYLF funds can be used for reasonable mileage or transportation fees for research subjects, team and special advisors.
• TSYLF funds can be used for reasonable travel accommodations related to research topic data collection.
• TSYLF funds can be used for reasonable compensation to the research team for their time in collecting, analyzing and organizing data related to the funded research topic.
• TSYLF funds can be used for reasonable compensation to the research subjects.
• TSYLF funds can be used for expenses related to community engagement.
• TSYLF funds can be used for fees related to attending a hospitality event that aligns with the funded research topic.

Students pursuing tourism or hospitality-related majors who are from Bucks County and attending an accredited college, university, or trade school can receive scholarship support that may benefit Nevada’s travel and tourism workforce. Bucks County Foundation’s Visit Bucks County Tourism & Hospitality Scholarship helps future professionals prepare for careers in the tourism and hospitality industry.

Students in Nevada pursuing aviation or hospitality degrees can access funding through the NetJets Scholarship, which offers US $25,000 awards for higher education. Grants from The Columbus Foundation help U.S.-based full-time students with strong academics and character who are preparing for careers in business aviation or hospitality-related tourism fields.

American Indian and Alaska Native undergraduate juniors and seniors in tourism, gaming, financial, or hospitality fields, and graduate students in business or gaming/hospitality-related programs in Nevada may be eligible for need-based scholarships; awards range from US $2,500 - US $5,000. Grants from Native Forward Scholars Fund support full-time study at accredited U.S. institutions, which can benefit students preparing for travel and tourism careers.

Nevada nonprofits and other U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations can seek funding for health and welfare, education, or community initiatives that improve equitable care and education. The Labcorp Charitable Foundation supports projects like food pantries, healthcare for underserved populations, STEM programming, and healthy lifestyle initiatives, which may benefit organizations connected to local tourism and community services.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving communities in the Southern U.S. can seek support for programs addressing poverty, families, education, health, disaster relief, animal welfare, conservation, veterans, and spiritual initiatives. Focused on relieving hardship, Robinson Foundation invites eligible groups, including those with ecotourism or tourism-related community work, to apply for single-year project funding.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community development, basic needs, workforce education, arts, environment, or inclusion may be eligible for sponsorship support in Nevada and across the U.S. With a mission to advance economic mobility, Bank of America Charitable Foundation provides sponsorships that strengthen local economies, cultural life, and potentially tourism-related community initiatives.

Nevada 501(c)(3) nonprofits and aligned for-profit organizations can access funding to tell impactful stories about their work through the Storytelling Grant, which supports preservation, education, and wellness initiatives. Grants from the Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation may benefit ecotourism and tourism projects that emphasize wildlife conservation, historic preservation, outdoor recreation, or community wellbeing. Awards are more than US $50,000.

Nevada tourism and ecotourism nonprofits can access funding through Mutual Of America Foundation’s Community Partnership Award for exemplary cross-sector community partnerships in the U.S. Eligible organizations must demonstrate strong collaboration with public, private, or social sector partners, measurable community impact, and potential for replication or scaling to address significant social issues.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

Nevada nonprofits working on basic needs, community development, or cultural enrichment can apply for Ameriprise Financial Community Grants to support programs like housing, hunger relief, workforce readiness, and arts access. Focused on strengthening community vitality, Ameriprise Financial invites 501(c)(3) organizations serving U.S. residents, especially near its employee centers, to demonstrate measurable outcomes and strong volunteer engagement.

Educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies in Nevada can apply for State Farm Companies Foundation’s Good Neighbor Citizenship grants to support safety, education, and community development initiatives. Projects that strengthen community safety, economic vitality, or education may benefit tourism-related efforts and broader local development.

Nonprofit organizations in Nevada can seek US $1,000 - US $20,000 to support community-based programs, facilities, and services. With a mission to help smaller projects where modest funding has big impact, Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation provides grants for museums, cultural activities, education, environmental and wildlife efforts, health facilities, and services for youth, seniors, and people with disabilities, which may include tourism-related initiatives.

Focused on youth and family basic needs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Nevada communities with Nordstrom stores can apply for Nordstrom Community Grants; awards US $5,000 - US $20,000 for food, shelter, clothing, and economic mobility programs. Travel and tourism organizations with qualifying workforce development or family-support initiatives may be eligible.

Organizations serving children or youth from urban low-income communities in Nevada can apply for Michael & Susan Dell Foundation grants, with awards of more than US $50,000 for project support or scaling. Eligible U.S. entities include nonprofits, social enterprises, schools, governments, and other organizations working in education, health and wellness, or family economic stability, which may benefit tourism-related communities.

Nevada 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting children, education, or health and human services may be eligible for monetary program support, which can include tourism-related youth or family initiatives. Costco Foundation supports these efforts in Nevada by funding programs that show clear community need, measurable outcomes, collaboration, and a broad base of financial support.

Nevada nonprofits and qualifying foreign organizations working on poverty alleviation, disability services, disaster relief, or other human and social services can receive support to help disadvantaged people become self-reliant. Gupta Family Foundation provides US $5,000 - US $250,000 in annual or multi-year grants, which may benefit smaller tourism or ecotourism initiatives serving disadvantaged communities.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.