Sponsorship Opportunities

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Sponsorship Requests

Galena Country Tourism supports events, programs, and initiatives that align with our mission of promoting Galena Country as a premier visitor destination and provide a meaningful benefit to the community, such as enhancing quality of life or creating opportunities for residents to participate. Organizations seeking sponsorship are encouraged to complete the form below.

All requests are reviewed based on available funding, alignment with organizational goals, anticipated visitor impact, and other evaluation criteria. Please note that sponsorship requests must demonstrate a clear tourism or marketing purpose by showing how the event or initiative attracts visitors from outside Jo Daviess County.

Before You Apply

-Requests must support tourism promotion and demonstrate the ability to attract visitors from outside Jo Daviess County.
-Open to non-profit organizations. For-profit requests will not qualify.
-Individuals or organizations affiliated with Greater Galena Marketing, Inc. or Galena Country Tourism are not eligible to receive sponsorship funding through this program.
-Events serving primarily as fundraisers are not eligible for sponsorship.
-Submit requests at least 90 days before your event or initiative.
-Completing the form does not guarantee funding or sponsorship.
-Additional information may be requested during the review process.
-Requests are reviewed based on available funding and alignment with Galena Country Tourism's sponsorship criteria.

Organization Information

Organization Name*:

First Name*:

Last Name*:

Title*:

Mailing Address*:

City*:

State*:

Zip*:

Phone*:

Email*:

Website/Social Media Page:

Organization Type*:

Proof of non-profit status required

Event Information

Event or Program Name*:

Event Dates*:

Duration (Days/Hours)*:

Event Location- City/Village*:

Open to the Public?*:

Yes No

Event Category*:

Sponsorship Amount Requested from GCT*:

Total Event Budget*:

GCT Sponsorship as % of Total Budget*:

PRIMARY PARTNER REQUIREMENT: If GCT sponsorship exceeds 50% of total event budget, GCT must be listed as a Primary Sponsor and will approve all marketing materials that mention GCT or display the GCT logo.

Tourism Impact & Economic Contribution

How does this event attract visitors from OUTSIDE Jo Daviess County? Does this event encourage overnight stays? Include any data (lodging bookings, ticket origins, surveys)*:

Does this event increase length of stay, midweek visitation, or off-season travel in Jo Daviess County? Explain*:

Where will most attendees travel from? How does it support local restaurants, retail, lodging, and other Galena-area businesses?*:

Budget & Use of Funds

Describe specifically how GCT funds will be used (advertising, signage, promotion, etc.) and list any other funding sources*:

Marketing and Promotion

hidden label

Promotional Channels (check all that apply)

Social Media
Digital Advertising
Radio/TV
Print/Flyers
Press Releases
Email Newsletter
Other

Target geographic market*:

Budget For Marketing*:

Community Benefit & Local Engagement

How does this event strengthen community quality of life, local pride, or cultural identity in Galena Country? Are there resident-focused elements (local)*:

Prior GCT Sponsorship History

Previously received GCT sponsorship?*:

Year(s) Funded:

Amount(s) Received:

Brief Summary of prior outcomes (attendance, tourism impact, compliance with reporting):

Resident Quality of Life & Community Benefit

GCT sponsorships must enrich life for residents — not just attract visitors. Show how your event strengthens community bonds, local identity, and everyday quality of life in Galena Country.

How does this event improve quality of life for Galena-area residents? (local jobs, civic pride, public spaces, community programming, seasonal economies)*:

Describe resident-first or community-inclusive elements (local access pricing, volunteer roles, neighborhood activation, community input)*:

Community Culture, History & Arts Promotion

How does this event promote Galena's local culture, history, arts, or heritage?*:

Identify local artists, cultural organizations, historians, venues, or heritage sites involved*:

Shared Resident-Visitor Experience

How does this event create experiences enjoyed by residents AND visitors alike — fostering authentic community-guest connections?*:

Youth Engagement & Workforce Development

How does this event support youth education, career awareness, or workforce development in tourism, hospitality, or the arts?*:

Regional Collaboration & Equity

Is there anything else you'd like us to know about your event's impact on Galena Country? This could include community partnerships, resident engagement, cultural significance, volunteer opportunities, or other benefits not already described above.*:

Compliance Acknowledgement

LEGAL NOTICE: Submission does not guarantee an award. GCT sponsorships are tourism marketing investments, not charitable grants. Awards are subject to Board approval and fund availability.

By signing below, the applicant agrees to ALL of the following:

The GCT logo will be prominently displayed in all event promotional materials.

If GCT sponsorship exceeds 50% of total event budget: GCT is designated as Primary Sponsor and approves all marketing materials referencing GCT or displaying the GCT logo.

This application is submitted at least 90 days prior to the first funded expenditure.

A post-event report will be submitted within 30 days of event conclusion, including: total attendance, event duration, and tourist vs. local attendance data if tracked.

Funds will be used exclusively as stated in this application. GCT will be notified of any material changes.

Supporting Documents:

Please upload any supporting documents like sponsorship packets, budgets, attachments, etc. as one file.

Authorized Signature*:

Date*:

Organization Name (legal)*:

* Indicates a required field.

Submit Reset

Prefer to complete a PDF application? Download the sponsorship application, fill it out, and email the completed form to admin@visitgalena.org.

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