SANDUSKY, OHIO, November 14, 2025--- Shores & Islands Ohio, the Destination Marketing Organization for Erie and Ottawa counties, announces the availability of the Destination Development Grant Program for 2026. 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 2025 for a total of $584,000.

Over the past four years, more than $2 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, April 1- 3 and 6-8, 2026. 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.

New this year, grant applicants are required to attend an informational meeting before they are allowed to apply. These meetings will detail the grant, eligibility, application process and reporting requirements. Interested parties, or anyone who wants more information about the process, may attend one of these scheduled meetings at any location, regardless of which county the applicant is applying from. Additionally, there will be a virtual option for those who cannot attend in-person. If unable to participate in any of the sessions, either in-person or virtually, the applicant must schedule a one-on-one review with Amanda Smith Rasnick before applying. Email amanda@shoresandislands.com with questions regarding the info sessions or to schedule a personal review.

  • Friday, November 21, 2025 at 10 am and 3 pm - S&IO West (770 S.E. Catawba Rd., Port Clinton)
  • Tuesday, December 2, 2025 at 9 am and 2 pm - S&IO East (125 E. Water St., Sandusky)
  • Monday, December 8, 2025 at 10 am and 3 pm - S&IO East (125 E. Water St., Sandusky)
  • Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at 9 am and 2 pm - S&IO West (770 S.E. Catawba Rd., Port Clinton)

Application proposals are being accepted now and will be due by 12 pm on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. Grant finalists will be notified by March 31, 2026, with grant award meetings taking place from April 1-3 and 6-8, 2026. For more information on the grant process or to receive an application, please contact Shores & Islands Ohio Destination Engagement Director, Amanda Smith Rasnick, at amanda@shoresandislands.com or 419.625.2175.

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