FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SANDUSKY, OHIO, October 9, 2024--- Shores & Islands Ohio, the Destination Marketing Organization for Erie and Ottawa counties, announces the availability of the Destination Development Grant Program for 2025. The Destination Development Grant Program has been created to assist organizations and businesses in the Shores & Islands Ohio (S&IO) region in developing projects that will attract and engage visitors and residents, serve and educate regional tourism partners, and generate economic growth for the community through travel and tourism development. 29 grants were awarded in 2024 for a total of $544,000.

Over the past three years, more than $1.5 million in Destination Development Grants have been distributed to local businesses to help them better serve their customers and enhance their communities, as well as the region overall. 

Organizations do not have to be a S&IO partner to apply, however, if an award is granted, partnership with Shores & Islands Ohio is required.   Partnerships will be discussed at the grant award meetings, March 3-14, 2025. Applicants could include, but are not limited to, local governments, for-profit enterprises, and non-profit organizations. Organizations with active projects funded through the Destinations Development Grant or other Shores & Islands Ohio funding streams are not eligible to apply until the previously funded project is complete and all requirements have been fulfilled.

Projects should align with Shores & Islands Ohio’s mission and strategic plan and increase the likelihood of visitation from outside the area. Projects should target the development of quality-of-place amenities, attractions, and facilities that enhance the visitor and resident experience and foster connectivity within the specific community and Erie/Ottawa County. Some grants require at least a 50% match while others provide full project funding. The full grant informational packet provides details on eligible and ineligible projects.

Informational meetings detailing the grant, eligibility, application process, and reporting requirements will be held at both Shores & Islands Welcome Centers this month. Interested parties are encouraged to join one of these meetings and can attend at any location, regardless of county of origin.

  • Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at 10 am and 3 pm - S&IO East (125 E. Water St., Sandusky)
  • Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at 9 am and 2 pm - S&IO West (770 S.W. Catawba Rd., Port Clinton)
  • Tuesday, October 29, 2024 at 10 am and 3 pm - S&IO West (770 S.W. Catawba Rd., Port Clinton)
  • Thursday, October 31, 2024 at 9 am and 2 pm - S&IO East (125 E. Water St., Sandusky)

Application proposals are being accepted now and will be due by 12 pm on Wednesday, January 29, 2025. Grant finalists will be notified by February 28, 2025, with grant award meetings taking place from March 3-14, 2025. For more information on the grant process or to receive an application, please contact Shores & Islands Ohio Destination Development Director, Amanda Smith Rasnick, at amanda@shoresandislands.com or 419.625.2175.

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ABOUT SHORES & ISLANDS OHIO
Shores & Islands Ohio is the Midwest’s favorite getaway. This coastal destination boasts 152 miles of Lake Erie shoreline, the best fishing on the Great Lakes, welcoming communities, rich history, a wine trail, and an abundance of family-friendly attractions. World-famous Cedar Point Amusement Park calls it home, along with Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, other indoor and outdoor water parks, animal parks, sports venues, and more. Visitors enjoy ferries and cruises to Put-in-Bay, Middle Bass, and Kelleys Island. One of the country’s best areas for spring and fall bird migration, the area is overflowing with natural beauty and opportunities for outdoor recreation. More at SHORESandISLANDS.com

 

Media Contact:

Jill Bauer, Public Relations Manager
Shores & Islands Ohio
Phone: 419.625.9495
Email: jill@shoresandislands.com