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Find similar grantsDestination Development Program is sponsored by Travel South Dakota. This program strengthens and expands tourism in rural communities across South Dakota.
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News Knowledge Article View #### Empowering Rural Communities to Grow Tourism: Destination Development Program Grant Applications Opening May 20 Date published: 05/13/2026 **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**:Wed.
,May 13, 2026 **CONTACT**:Katlyn Svendsen,Global Public Relations & Content Services Senior Director, Travel South Dakota, (605) 773-3301 **Empowering Rural Communities to Grow Tourism:** **Destination Development Program Grant Applications Opening May 20** **PIERRE, S. D. **–Travel South Dakota is excited to announce the launch of the second round of the Destination Development Program.
This initiative is designed to strengthen and expand tourism in rural communities across South Dakota. In collaboration with the George Washington University Institute for Tourism Studies and Crosscurrent Collective, this initiative is designed to help local communities take the lead in growing tourism by enhancing what makes each place unique.
The program encourages innovative ideas, builds local leadership, and supports the development of authentic, high-quality experiences for visitors and residents. These efforts are intended to attract more visitors and deliver long-term economic and social benefits to the local economy and residents. Travel South Dakota launched the pilot program in 2025,working with the communities of Lead and Wessington Springs.
Both are in the implementation phase of the program, which focuses on bringing ideas to fruition. “The Travel South Dakota grant program has been a strong catalyst for Lead,”said Emma Garvin, who is on the planning team for the Lead project. “This helps us move from ideas to coordinated action and giving partners a shared framework to prioritize projects that strengthen our visitor experience and quality of life.
” Applications for the Destination Development Program will open May 20 and close June 30, 2026. Two South Dakota communities will be selected through a competitive application process. Selected applicants will be notified mid-July.
Communities interested in applying are encouraged to tune in to a Destination Development Insider session on May 19 and visitSDVisit. comfor more information. They can also contactCiara Forest,Destination Development Manager for Travel South Dakota.
The South Dakota Department of Tourism consists of Travel South Dakota and the South Dakota Arts Council, under the leadership of Secretary James D. Hagen.
According to the current listing, eligibility includes: South Dakota rural communities and tourism-related businesses. Two communities will be selected in this pilot year through a competitive application process. Confirm the full requirements in the official notice before applying.
Destination Development Program is funded by Travel South Dakota. Verify program details on the funder's official page before applying.
This opportunity targets applicants in South Dakota. If your organization operates elsewhere, check the official notice for location requirements.
Start from the official opportunity page linked in this listing — it carries the sponsor's submission instructions.