Cooperative Marketing Grant Program

New Jersey Travel & Tourism Grants: Cooperative Marketing and Destination Marketing Opportunities

The New Jersey Division of Travel & Tourism (NJTT) is proud to offer two major grant programs designed to promote tourism across the Garden State: the Cooperative Marketing Grant and the Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) Grant. These programs provide financial support to organizations looking to enhance New Jersey’s appeal as a top travel destination. Below is a comprehensive guide on eligibility, the application process, and key deadlines. Learn more and access the SAGE portal here.

How to Apply

All applications are managed through the System for Administering Grants Electronically (SAGE). Follow these steps to apply:

Register and Log into SAGE – New users must create an account to access grant applications. Detailed instructions and tutorials are available for guidance.
Submit a Declaration of Intent (DOI) – Before applying, submit a DOI for either the Cooperative Marketing Grant or the DMO Grant. Early submission is recommended to ensure access to the application once the DOI is approved. Be thorough and double-check your information, as modifications may not be allowed after submission.
Access the Application – Once your DOI is approved, you will gain access to the specific grant application in SAGE.
Complete and Submit the Application – Follow all guidelines and deadlines closely. If you have questions about the status of your DOI or application, contact the NJTT office directly.

Awards are subject to fund availability in the fiscal year. The Division reserves the right to reject applications that do not align with its mission, objectives, or goals.

Contact for Questions:
Bernice Harris, New Jersey Division of Travel & Tourism
Phone: (609) 777-4109
Email: bernice.harris@sos.nj.gov

Resources for Applicants:

[SAGE Instructions PDF]
[SAGE Registration Guide PDF]
[SAGE Username & Roles PDF]
Video Tutorials: Sections 1–4 guide you through the application process, including Cooperative Marketing Grants and DOI submission.

Cooperative Marketing Grant

The Cooperative Marketing Grant Program is a partnership between NJTT and the New Jersey travel industry aimed at showcasing the state as a premier tourism destination. This funding supports organizations promoting specific tourism opportunities and campaigns within New Jersey.

Eligibility:

Open to any New Jersey organization actively engaged in the state’s tourism industry.
Applicants must demonstrate a 25% match from non-state partners or sponsors. Matches must be cash-based; in-kind donations or bartered services are not accepted.
State funds plus matching funds must be used exclusively for the proposed marketing program.

Guidelines:

All applications must be submitted electronically through SAGE; paper applications are not accepted.
A DOI is required prior to accessing the application.
Approved DOI applicants can access and complete the application in SAGE.

Resources:

[Cooperative Marketing Program Handbook PDF]
[Declaration of Intent Instructions PDF]
[Grant Appeals Process PDF]

Key Deadlines (FY25 Example):

March 4, 2024: DOI available in SAGE
March 8, 2024: Application process opens for approved DOIs
June 5, 2024, 3:30 p.m.: DOI submission deadline
June 12, 2024, 3:30 p.m.: Application submission deadline
April 18, 2025, 3:30 p.m.: Interim reports due
December 31, 2025: Grant period ends
February 14, 2026, 3:30 p.m.: Final reports due

Note: FY26 deadlines follow similar schedules with DOI availability beginning March 7, 2025.

Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) Grant

A Destination Marketing Organization promotes tourism for a city, group of municipalities, or regional area in New Jersey. DMOs collaborate with hotels, restaurants, attractions, and small tourism entities to provide resources for visitors, advocate for the tourism industry, and drive local economic activity.

Eligibility:

Must meet established DMO qualifications outlined in the DMO Handbook.
Organizations must provide a 25% non-state match (cash only, no in-kind).
Maximum grant request is $300,000.

Guidelines:

Applications are submitted exclusively through SAGE; paper submissions are not accepted.
A DOI must be completed in SAGE prior to application submission.
DOI availability for FY26 begins March 5, 2025. Applications become accessible upon DOI approval.

These grant programs represent a significant opportunity for New Jersey organizations to elevate tourism, attract visitors, and enhance local economies while leveraging strategic partnerships and professional marketing initiatives.

Resources

FY23 Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) Grant – CLOSED

Deadlines

DMO 3^rd Year

May 13, 2024 – Rollover application available.
June 21, 2024 – Completed applications must be submitted in SAGE.
March 14, 2025, 3:30 p.m. – Interim Reports Due
August 15, 2025, 3:30 p.m. – Final Reports Due
June 30, 2025 – Grant Period Ends

FY26 Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) Grant

Deadlines

DMO 1^st Year

March 5, 2025 – An electronic Declaration of Intent (DOI) to apply will be available in SAGE.
March 5, 2025 – Application process opens for any completed and approved DOI applications.
May 9, 2025, 3:30 p.m. est. – You must complete a Declaration of Intent (DOI) in order to apply for the grant.
May 16, 2025, 3:30 p.m. est. – Completed applications must be submitted in SAGE for the FY26 grant cycle.
March 13, 2026, 3:30 p.m. – Interim Reports Due
August 14, 2026, 3:30 p.m. – Final Reports Due
June 30, 2026 – Grant Period Ends

DMO 2^nd Year

May 15, 2026 – Application rollover available in SAGE, upon completion of previous year.
March 12, 2027, 3:30 p.m. – Interim Reports Due
August 13, 2027, 3:30 p.m. – Final Reports Due
June 30, 2027 – Grant Period Ends

DMO 3^rd Year

May 14, 2027 – Application rollover available in SAGE, upon completion of previous year.
March 17, 2028, 3:30 p.m. – Interim Reports Due
August 11, 2028, 3:30 p.m. – Final Reports Due
June 30, 2028 – Grant Period Ends