Destination Development grant available in Erie County
By JILL BAUER
Shores & Islands
SANDUSKY – A new matching grant program is available this year for the purpose of assisting Erie County businesses, organizations and communities in developing activities or projects that will attract and engage visitors, serve and educate regional tourism partners, and generate economic growth for their communities and the region through travel and tourism development. This is in addition to the sponsorship grant programs that will continue to be offered.
The Erie County Destination Development Grant offered by the Erie County Visitors & Convention Bureau, part of Shores & Islands Ohio, serves to develop and enhance destination-based assets that reflect the regional organization’s mission and helps attract visitors, talent, and increased visitor spending in the region. The grant will support tourism industry and community collaboration, maximize the economic return on public and private investments for travel and tourism destinations in Erie County, and enhance the quality of life for residents as a result.
Eligible grant recipients could include, but are not limited to, local governments, for-profit enterprises, and non-profit organizations, and grant requirements must be met. If a for-profit enterprise is the lead or a partner applicant, the project must reflect an economic benefit for their municipality or the county at large. Eligible projects should target the development of quality-of-place amenities, attractions, and facilities that enhance the visitor experience and foster connectivity with the specific destination or geographic area.
This grant program seeks big, transformative ideas. Applicant preference will be given to large-scale projects that enhance communities with visitor attraction efforts. Information on the types of projects that are potentially eligible for grant funding can be found in the official grant application.
Application proposals are being accepted now and will be due by 5 p.m. on March 31. Grant finalists will be notified by April 15 and final grant recipients will be chosen by May 2. For information on the grant process or to receive an application, contact Shores & Islands Ohio Destination Development Director Amanda Smith Rasnick at amanda@shoresandislands.com or 419-625-2175.
