The Hancock County CVB is excited to share the slate of grant programs available to assist local events and programs in 2020!  This year our organization is offering five programs, the Community Connect Program, Co Op Advertising Grant, Tourism Development Program and Tourism Growth Program, and the Tournament Builder Program.

There are 5 CVB Grant Programs available to help you fund your local event!

• The Community Connect Program: No matching funds necessary, up to $500.  Special consideration will be given to events taking place outside of the City of Findlay.  Funds must be used for marketing and advertising costs, and applications are due 30 days before the date of the event.
• The Co Op Advertising Grant: A 50% matching grant, up to $3,000. Funds must be used for advertising and promotion costs, and applications are due 60 days before the date of the event.
• The Tourism Development Program: A 50% matching grant, up to $8,000. Eligible events must be in year one or two of existence. Organizations are limited to one application per year.  Applications for events occurring January 1 – December 31, 2020 and are due Monday, December 16, 2019.
• The Tourism Growth Program: A 50% matching grant, up to $5,000. Eligible events must be already established, with concrete plans for significant growth. Organizations are limited to one application per year.  Applications for events occurring January 1 – December 31, 2020 and are due Monday, December 16, 2019.
• Tournament Builder Program: A 50% matching grant, up to $5,000.  Assist Sports Tournaments by building awareness of the Findlay area and show a growth pattern that benefits the community, including a track record of overnight stays.  Organizations are not limited to a single application.  Applications for events occurring January 1 – December 31, 2020 and are due Monday, December 16, 2019.

The ability to create and manage an account on VisitFindlay.com continues this year.  A new capability beginning in 2019, this allows users to save grant information year-to-year, making the process easier and faster – especially for repeat applicants.  Accounts can also be used to add events to the VisitFindlay.com calendar, making the process more efficient and allowing organizers to manage and update their own listings, as needed.  Organizations who do not intend to apply for grant funds may still have an account to add events!  Request an account here!

In 2019, more than $200,000 was awarded by the CVB to support community events including sports tournaments and races, agricultural programs, festivals, conferences, cultural and heritage programming and performing arts shows. Beyond grant dollars, the CVB has many free resources available for those planning events, working on travel & tourism-related projects, and community members as well. Call or email to ensure you’re taking advantage of all that your CVB has to offer!