The Grant was created to increase new event bookings or expand on current events within Shores & Islands Ohio. It is designed to assist businesses and organizations in attracting or producing quality events that generate overnight stays, create media exposure, increase area economic impact and generate awareness that Shores & Islands Ohio is a year-round destination.

 Eligibility Guidelines

• Events must take place in Shores & Islands Ohio. (Erie and/or Ottawa Co.)  
• Applicants are eligible for $5,000 per event for Erie County events and $3,000 for Ottawa County events.
• Organizations receiving funds through other Shores & Islands Ohio funding streams are not eligible.
  
• An organization is only eligible to apply for two events per calendar year.

Timeline Information

• Applications for events taking place in October/November/December 2025 will be due by July 31, 2025.  Notification of awards will be given by September 30, 2025
• Applications for events taking place in January/February/March 2026 will be due October 31, 2025.  Notification of awards will be given by November 30, 2025
• Applications for events taking place in April/May/June 2026 will be due January 31, 2026.  Notification of awards will be given by February 28, 2026.
• Applications for events taking place in July/August/September 2026 are due by April 30, 2026.  Notification of awards will be given by May 31, 2026.  
• Late applications will not be accepted. 

Reimbursement

Applications will be evaluated by using the Destinations International Economic Impact Calculator along with an internal score sheet that includes history and performance. 

Reimbursement forms must be submitted within 45 days of the conclusion of the event. The reimbursement form will accompany the award letter and commitment form.   This is a reimbursement grant that will be paid once all requirements are fulfilled. 

Assistance

Before an application will be evaluated, a meeting/phone call must be set with Tiffany Frisch or Amanda Smith Rasnick to review the request and requirements. 

For assistance regarding conferences, large group sporting events, tradeshows or business meetings, please contact Tiffany Frisch at 419-960-7463   Tiffany@shoresandislands.com

For assistance regarding local/community festivals or cultural events, please contact Amanda Smith Rasnick at 419-625-2175  Amanda@shoresandislands.com

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•    The organization/event agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Shores & Islands Ohio from any claims of any kind for injuries or damages, which result from the making of any arrangement for said special event, program or project or in the performance of said activity including all claims, liabilities, causes of action and judgments arising from the event.
•    The organization/event agrees that no person shall be excluded from participating in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any program, employment, activity or service regarding this agreement based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, handicap, ancestry or age.
•    The organization/event shall not assign this agreement or any part thereof without the written consent of Shores & Islands Ohio.
•    In the occurrence, the event is canceled and does not take place, all grant monies will be forfeited.
•    This is a reimbursement grant program.  Failure to comply with the mentioned deadline or any necessary element will result in a reduction or forfeiting of the grant award.