SHORES & ISLANDS OHIO, April 6, 2026 --- Shores & Islands Ohio is proud to announce the fifth year of Destination Development Grants, benefiting 38 organizations across Erie and Ottawa counties. The grant program is a major component of Shores & Islands Ohio’s strategic plan, which focuses not only on promoting the region as a visitor destination, but also on supporting efforts to enhance it for visitors and therefore, residents as well. By investing in diverse projects, from infrastructure improvements to cultural and recreational enhancements, the program aims to further establish the region as a premier destination for travelers and locals alike.
Committees in each county evaluated over 70 applications and determined recipients and award amounts based on a project’s ability to attract and engage visitors, serve and educate regional tourism partners, and generate economic growth for their communities through travel and tourism development. This grant round’s total award investment for 11 Ottawa County-based recipients is nearly $75,000. Additionally, $361,956 in private dollars is being invested in the county. For Erie County-based businesses, there were 27 recipients with a total investment of $500,000. In Erie County, $2,566,178 in private dollars are being invested.
Grant recipients are planning a variety of projects with the awarded funds – expansions, new businesses, new exhibits, beautification, renovations, mural paintings, improved signage, and more.
Erie County grant recipients represent businesses and organizations in Bayview, Huron, Kelleys Island, Sandusky, Vermilion, and Vickery. They are: Bullis Properties (Rum Runners/Bay Harbor Marina), Casino Marina , Cedar Micro Resort, Christmas Market Foundation, City of Vermilion, Crystal Rock Campground, Driftwood Farms, Harbourtown Fine Arts Center, Jax Bar, Jet Express, KI AdvenTours, KI Hospitality, Lagoon Deer Park, Linwood Park Company, M&M Birding, Marconi's Italian Restaurant, The Marketplace (H2 Properties), Merry-Go-Round Museum, Mikey's Sweet Spot, Phil P's, Sandusky Bay Lodging, Sandusky Book Bar, Sora & Oak, Trabel's Bagels, Village Peddler, and Wine Vault.
The Ottawa County recipients represent a variety of projects in Elmore, Lakeside, Marblehead, Oak Harbor, Put-in-Bay, and Port Clinton. Receiving Ottawa County grants are: BackYard Pickleball & Social Club, Hope Properties , Inspiration Inn Bloom , Jet Express, Marblehead Lighthouse Historical Society, Ottawa Co. Museum, Put-in-Bay Chamber of Commerce, Put-in-Bay Parks District (Duff Vineyard Preserve), Rooted Souls Wellness Sanctuary, Tibbles Marina, and Village of Put-in-Bay.
“We are proud to continue investing in projects that strengthen our region’s appeal for both visitors and residents,” said Amanda Smith Rasnick, Shores & Islands Ohio Destination Engagement Director. “These grants represent a long-term investment in the vitality of our communities—supporting meaningful improvements, enhancing local experiences, and helping drive economic growth across the Shores & Islands Ohio region.”
For more information on this grant program, contact Destination Engagement Director Amanda Smith Rasnick at amanda@shoresandislands.com.
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