Community Connect Program

Program at a Glance

Assist with Advertising and Marketing Expenses • Designed for Smaller Events • Does not require matching funds • Maximum Award: $500 • Special consideration given to events taking place outside City of Findlay limits • Applications are due 30 days prior to the start of an event. • Download the Fine Print and Guidelines Here

Application Timeline:

Submit Application – Applications are due 30 days prior to the start of the activity. Limit of 3 Community Connect Awards per year per organization.
Notice of Approval – Within 15 business days of the receipt of a successful application
Have a Successful Event – We want to ensure you have a great event, let us know how we can assist!
Submit Request for Reimbursement – Reimbursement form, related receipts, and proof of logo usage are due within 60 days after the completion of your activity.
Reimbursement Processed – Within 30 days of the receipt of the completed reimbursement request and materials you will receive your reimbursement check

Application and Reimbursement Checklist:

Fill out application and budget worksheet – Complete all sections of the application. We understand this is your projected budget, and may change during the course of event planning. Just give us your best estimate.
Call the CVB or set up a meeting – The CVB wants to help you have a successful event. Schedule a meeting
to create a marketing plan, recommendations for vendors, and any questions you may have. The Community Connect Program is designed to assist organizations in growing their events to utilize the Co Op Advertising for additional funds within 3 years.
Submit application – Submit at least 30 days before the start of your event. You will be notified within 15 days if your program has been approved.
Submit your event to the Visit Findlay Calendar – Go to VisitFindlay.com/Events to fill out the form.
Keep copies of all receipts, quotes, and invoices for eligible items – They must be attached to the Reimbursement Request for payment.
Submit reimbursement request – Submit no more than 60 days after the conclusion of the event or program. Must include your actual financial outcome, copies of receipts, and proof of logo usage on marketing and promotional materials. After review, your check will be processed within 30 days.
Watch the mail – After review, your check will be processed within 30 days.

Community Connect Program Application

Designed for small events. Total event budget must exceed $500.

Step 1 of 4

Name of Event/Program:*
Event Date(s):*
Event Location*
Organizing Group:*
Contact Name:*
Role in Organization:*
Contact Phone Number:*
Contact Email:*
Mailing Address for Grant Correspondence:*
Street Address Address Line 2 City State ZIP Code
Amount Requested*

No more than $500
Budgeted Advertising Expenses:*

If this exceeds more than $1,000 please apply for the Co Op Advertising Program
Budgeted Total Expenses:*
Projected Total Revenue:*
Media Release*
- Yes
- No
From time to time, as part of our grant programs, we will produce media releases to announce the recipients of grant programs. Please indicate below if you wish to have your information shared with our media partners.
What would you like the impact of this event or program to be? How will it positively impact the community? How will it support the travel and tourism industry in Hancock County?*
Who will be enjoying or attending this event or program? How do you plan to reach them? Please detail specific marketing ideas or include your marketing plan.*
What other events are taking place the same day/weekend as your event? How will this affect your attendance? Are there opportunities for collaboration?*
Partnerships -- What organizations and/or individuals are working together to make this event or program a success?*
How would the involvement of the CVB positively impact this event or program? How will you use the CVB logo in your marketing materials? How can you utilize the CVB’s free services (i.e. calendar listing, custom itineraries, event supply rental)*

Save and Continue Later

Community Connect Who May Apply: Any organization seeking to produce or promote an event or program that has the potential to create a positive image in the Findlay-Hancock County Area. In order to be considered for funding, all activities must be open to the general public or have non-exclusive membership. Preference will be given to non-profit organizations and special consideration will be given to events taking place outside of the City of Findlay. No more than three Community Connect applications may be submitted by any one organization, per calendar year. Amount Requested and Use: This program is for Marketing and Advertising funds only (See list of eligible expenses below), and requests up to $500. Award amounts will be based on need and marketing plans outlined in the application. Only cash expenses are matched, in-kind monetary amounts do not count toward matched Advertising & Marketing Expenses. Payment is processed after Reimbursement Request, and copies of receipts and promotional materials are submitted. Marketing and advertising expenditures covered by this grant may include: Radio spots • Print ads (Newspaper, magazine, newsletter,etc.) Television • Website and Social Media advertising Billboards • Event brochures, flyers and posters Postage and mailing fees • Other expenses as approved by the CVB Application: The application, including the budget worksheet, must be completed at least 30 days before the start of the event or program. Applicants are also required to meet or hold a teleconference with CVB staff to clarify any questions about the grant program, and to increase understanding of other support offered by the CVB. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered for approval. Documentation and Payment: A Reimbursement Request form will be provided to you along with approval notification, and is available at VisitFindlay.com. Within 60 days of the end of the event, please fill out this form with information about its outcome and success. Proof of payment, paid invoices, copies of checks and original artwork or photographs of VisitFindlay logo in advertising materials must accompany the Reimbursement Request form in order to receive reimbursement. Email documentation separately if using online form. Payment will be issued once this document is received and processed. CVB Logo: The current Hancock County Convention & Visitors Bureau logo and/or website must clearly be presented in all marketing materials, press releases, and presentations. Failure to acknowledge the CVB and/or failure to use correct CVB logo in event promotions will disqualify the organization from receiving reimbursement funds. Failure to comply could also limit the organization’s ability to apply for future funding from the CVB. Correct Visit Findlay logos can be downloaded at VisitFindlay.com/VisitFindlayLogo or requested by emailing info@visitfindlay.com. Special Circumstances: If the program or event is cancelled for any reason, all unused funds must be returned to the CVB. In the event your organization has special requests outside of the realm of the program guidelines, the CVB Grant Committee will review and present a recommendation to the CVB Advisory Board for approval. Applicants will be notified if special procedures are needed.
Signature*

I have read and understand the provided grant guidelines and submit a complete application for review. This electronic signature above signifies this document is complete, and all information within is accurate.
Title*
Date*
MM slash DD slash YYYY

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The Hancock County Convention & Visitors Bureau Advisory Board and Staff have the right to refuse any or all applications, if they are deemed outside the boundaries of the mission of the Convention & Visitors Bureau. * All decisions are final. *

* Disbursements of funds is dependent on budgetary limitations year-to-year.

For additional information or questions, contact Hancock County Convention & Visitors Bureau, 123 E. Main Cross, Findlay, OH 45840. Email info@visitfindlay.com. Phone 419-422-3315.

Note: Completed application must be submitted no later than 30 days prior to the start of the event.

A complete application consists of: completed original application form, completed budget worksheet and supporting documents or other pertinent information for consideration, if applicable.

Item Description	Local	Cost	In-Kind?

Community Connect Program

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DOWNTOWN

DINE

SHOP

EXPLORE

EVENTS

Main Image

Program at a Glance

Application Timeline:

Application and Reimbursement Checklist:

Community Connect Program Application

Step 1 of 4

Community Connect Program Budget Worksheet

Projected Revenue (R5)

Sponsorships and Donations:

Projected Expenses (E3)

General Expenses:

Advertising and Marketing Expenses