Section 515.40  Eligible Use of Grant Funds

a)         Examples of eligible Promotional Projects include, but are not limited to:

1)         Production and printing of travel related brochures that are primarily used as fulfillment for advertising placed 50 miles outside of the regional service area;

2)         Advertising primarily directed toward areas 50 miles outside of the regional service area being promoted;

3)         Rental of billboard space and artwork, design and production of billboard advertising to promote a regional service area;

4)         Web site development for the regional service area;

5)         Marketing research for the regional service area;

6)         Travel/trade show booth space rental and expenses (i.e., electric, furniture rental, cleaning, etc.), and travel/trade show registration fees for domestic marketing that represents the regional service area;

7)         1-800 number telephone expenses for regional service area visitor inquiries; and

8)         Purchase and use of mailing lists for direct mail promotions.

b)         Examples of projects eligible for grant administrative funding include, but are not limited to:

1)         Photocopies;

2)         All postage, distribution and shipping expenses;

3)         Insurance;

4)         Audits;

5)         Accounting services;

6)         Phone;

7)         Rent;

8)         Supplies;

9)         Maintenance fees associated with a website;

10)         Travel expenses (transportation, lodging, per diem) in accordance with the latest State of Illinois Department of Central Management Services Travel Regulations;

11)         Salaries;

12)         Membership dues for travel related associations or organizations; and

13)         Equipment leasing/rental.

c)         Activities ineligible for funding include, but are not limited to:

1)         Purchase of equipment;

2)         Purchase of any alcoholic beverages;

3)         Penalties, fines, late payment fees, service or interest charges; and

4)         Any project that receives funding through the Tourism Marketing Partnership Program, Tourism Attraction Development Grant Program, or Tourism Private Sector Grant Program.