These are announced awards, not a newly opened application round. The funded work covers Route 66 promotion, development and preservation, marketing for destinations and attractions across Illinois, and outreach to travelers in selected international markets.
Local tourism offices and recipient organizations are responsible for carrying out the funded projects and, where the program requires it, meeting matching-grant commitments. Hotels, restaurants, shops and attractions are not automatically direct recipients, though they may see new campaigns, events or visitor activity tied to a funded project.
Residents and businesses do not need to file a state form to access these awards. Interested vendors or community partners should watch DCEO and the named recipient organizations for project-specific schedules or contracting opportunities; the state release does not set one universal start date, completion date or new application deadline.