Erie County Visitors & Convention Bureau

Destination Development Grant (Erie & Ottawa Counties)

Who can apply: Applicants may include local governments, for-profit enterprises, and nonprofit organizations. Organizations do not have to be Shores & Islands Ohio partners to apply, but partnership is required if an award is granted. Projects must align with Shores & Islands Ohio’s mission and strategic plan, increase the likelihood of visitation from outside the area, and benefit the visitor and resident experience. Organizations with active projects funded through this grant or other Shores & Islands Ohio funding streams are ineligible until those projects are complete and all requirements are fulfilled. For-profit-led projects must reflect an economic benefit for the municipality or county at large.

Deadline: The 2026 application deadline was 12:00 p.m. on February 25, 2026. The program has been offered on an annual cycle; contact Shores & Islands Ohio for the next application materials and deadline.

Event Sponsorships / Local Event Support

Who can apply: Local events in the region that align with tourism promotion objectives. Exact eligibility and application details not provided in scraped content.

Conference & Event Grant (Conference and Sporting Events Support Grant)

Who can apply: Events must take place in Erie and/or Ottawa counties in Ohio. Organizations receiving funds through other Shores & Islands Ohio funding streams are not eligible. An organization may apply for no more than two events per calendar year. The applicant must arrange a meeting or phone call with Tiffany Frisch before the application is evaluated. Reimbursement forms must be submitted within 45 days after the event, and payment is made after all requirements are fulfilled.

Deadline: Applications are accepted year-round and must be submitted before the event; the page does not state a fixed advance deadline. The 2019 program description specified submission at least 90 days before the event.