They're back! Destination Development Grants are now available for 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 for BOTH Erie and Ottawa counties.

Ottawa County grant applicants can apply for up to $10,000 and Erie County applicants up to $25,000. However, this program is not designed to cover the entire cost of a project - it is a matching grant program; therefore, the grantee must secure an equal amount of funds as they are granted towards the project in order to receive funding. Organizations with active projects funded through the 2022 grant are not eligible to apply until the previously funded project is complete and all requirements have been fulfilled.

The grant proposal period for both counties is January 23, 2023 - April 20, 2023, with final proposals due before 12 pm on April 20th. Erie County finalists will be notified on May 12, 2023 and Ottawa County finalists will be notified on May 19, 2023.

Informational meetings about the grant process and eligibility requirements will be held on the following dates and locations. Interested parties are welcome to join any meeting, regardless of county of origin.

Meetings:

·    Thursday, Feb 2, 2023 at 9 am and 2 pm - S&IO East (Sandusky)

·    Tuesday, Feb 7, 2023 at 9 am and 2 pm - S&IO West (Port Clinton)

·    Wednesday, Feb 15 at 9 am - S&IO East (Sandusky)

·    Wednesday, Feb 15 at 2 pm - S&IO West (Port Clinton)

Please direct any questions regarding the grant or the grant process to Destination Development Director, Amanda Smith Rasnick at amanda@shoresandislands.com or 419-625-2175.