Visit Canton is seeking applications for its 2023 Destination Enhancement Grants to attract and engage visitors, serve and educate regional tourism partners, and generate economic growth for the community through travel and tourism development and enhancement projects.
Donor Name: Visit Canton
State: Ohio
County: Stark County (OH)
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 10/31/2023
Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $50,000
Grant Duration: 2 years
Details:
Visit Canton will award up to $350,000 in support of major enhancement projects that fulfill the mission and strategic plan of Visit Canton.
Goals
The goals of the Destination Enhancement Grant Program include:
- Developing and enhancing destination-based assets that are in concert with the Visit Canton mission that help attract visitors, talent, and increased visitor spending to the region.
- Foster strategic vision as well as industry and community collaboration.
- Maximize the economic return on public and private investments for travel and tourism destinations in Stark County.
- Enhance the quality of life for residents as a result of the elevated destination assets.
Project proposals are not limited to, but may focus on one of the following categories:
- Spectator sports, participation sports, and outdoor recreation
- Culinary and agricultural activities
- Heritage and historical experiences
- Arts and culture
Project examples within the categories include:
- Projects that elevate the visitor/guest experience within the destination.
- Community wayfinding signage, connectivity projects, or placemaking
- Business sign and façade improvements, major art installations, etc.
- Accessibility additions to attractions, playgrounds, or parking that will increase the likelihood and opportunity for visitation.
Funding Information
- Grant requests of $10,000 to $50,000 will be considered through this competitive application process.
- If you have a project that is looking for more than $50,000 in support, please reach out to Promotions and Grants Manager, Allison Gromofsky,
- Visit Canton grant dollars may not represent more than 50% of the total project cost.
- Projects must be completed within two years of the award.
Eligible Projects
- Projects should target the development of quality-of-place amenities, attractions, and facilities that enhance the visitor experience and foster connectivity within the specific destination or geographic area. They should align with Visit Canton’s mission and increase the likelihood of visitation from outside the area.
- Partnerships that bring together local and regional organizations, economic development and/or government organizations and tourism-related businesses will be looked upon favorably. The grant program seeks big, transformative ideas. Preference will be given to large-scale projects that enhance communities with visitor attraction efforts. Proposals are expected to detail transformational projects that strengthen the applicant’s destination profile.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applications must be signed by an official authorized to legally bind the applicant to perform the project. The lead applicant is responsible for meeting all grant requirements. Eligible organizations include, but are not limited to, local governments, for-profit enterprises, and non-profit organizations.
For more information, visit Visit Canton.
