Lake Erie Shores & Islands, the destination marketing organization for Erie and Ottawa counties, is re-introducing its popular grant program for events taking place in 2020.

Three grants are now available, including a conference and event grant, geared toward attracting quality conferences and events to the region to generate overnight stays; the established event grant, for events that are well-established in the region and have previously received grant money from Lake Erie Shores & Islands; and the all-new sponsorship grant.

The sponsorship grant is offered for new and existing community-friendly events that take place in the Lake Erie Shores & Islands region. It is designed to assist organizations and businesses to grow quality events that create media exposure, increase area economic impact, generate awareness that Lake Erie Shores & Islands is a year-round destination and may generate overnight stays.

This grant is available to any organization actively marketing to attract visitors from outside the region. Events must be planned to stimulate economic growth and promote tourism activities in Lake Erie Shores & Islands. The applicant must demonstrate financial stability and organizational capacity to make the event a success. Generation of overnight stays is highly encouraged. Organizations/events receiving funds through other Lake Erie Shores & Islands funding streams are not eligible.