Tourism Grants

America-250 Grant Program Guidelines and Criteria

Purpose

The America 250 Tourism Grant Program is offered through Union County Tourism (UCT) to support initiatives that commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States, embrace the heritage and stories of Union County, and elevate our communities during this historic milestone. The program is designed to assist in celebrating America’s past, present, and future through events, attractions, and visitor-facing experiences.

Grant funding assists non-profit, for-profit, and municipal organizations with marketing, promotion, and America 250–related event, attraction, and product development that increase destination appeal, enhance the resident and visitor experience, and drive increased visitation tied to America 250 programming.

Procedure

  • Applications for the 2026 America 250 funding may be submitted online until Friday, January 30, 2026.

  • Union County Tourism administers the grant program, which is funded through lodging tax, under contract with the Union County Board of Commissioners.

  • Applications are reviewed by the Tourism Grant Committee. Additional follow-up with applicants may be required during the review and approval process.

 

Application Deadline

Applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Friday, January 30, 2026.

Notice of Approval

Applicants approved for funding will be notified on or by February 20, 2026.

Funding Uses

Grant funds may be used for, but are not limited to, the following America 250–related expenses:

  • New America 250 events, programs, or projects that enhance the heritage and stories of Union County
  • Event/program/project advertising and marketing
  • Website design or upgrades related to America 250 programming
  • Photography and videography
  • Graphic design and printing of promotional materials
  • Other tourism-related expenses as approved by UCT

Tourism Grant Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate that their America 250 event, project, or program:

  • Takes place within Union County
  • Celebrates, interprets, or commemorates America 250 in a way that is meaningful, engaging, and visitor-facing
  • Enhances the character and reputation of Union County through unique activities and memorable experiences
  • Participate in the America 250 Celebration Trail, if applicable
  • Encourages new or expanded tourism development or events tied to America 250
  • Demonstrates a measurable community or economic benefit
  • Is open to the public or has non-exclusive membership
  • Complies with all local and state regulations, including permits and ADA requirements
  • Only one grant application will be permitted per organization
  • Submits a fully completed application for consideration (grant funds are limited)

Consideration

Primary consideration will be given to America 250 initiatives that:

  • Demonstrate a strong plan for marketing, communication, and execution
  • Show potential for growth and sustainability beyond the America 250 celebration
  • Include a method for tracking attendance, visitor origin, and/or overnight stays
  • Occur during off-peak or shoulder seasons to help balance visitation
  • Present opportunities for earned media, storytelling, and regional or statewide exposure
  • Demonstrate a solid funding strategy, including long-term operating and maintenance considerations

Obligations of Grant Recipients

If approved, grant recipients must agree to the following:

  • All printed and broadcast materials must include the Union County Tourism logo, America-250 Ohio logo, UnionCountyOH.com, and acknowledge Union County Tourism as a funding source. Failure to comply may impact future eligibility.
  • Maintain a reciprocal link on the organization’s website to UnionCountyOH.com.
  • Submit the event or project to the UnionCountyOH.com and America250-ohio.org events calendar.
  • Grant recipients are encouraged to share the news of your event/program/project with local news media and social media networks.
  • Connect, tag, and share content with Union County Tourism, Union County America 250, America 250 – Ohio, and America 250 on Facebook and Instagram. Use @america250-ohio (Facebook), and @am250oh (Instagram), #america250celebrationtrail, #america250celebration, #america250uc.
  • When applicable, provide exhibit space for UCT promotional use.
  • Provide high-resolution, visitor-oriented images for UCT promotional use (pre-event encouraged; post-event required).
  • When applicable, provide event tickets for UCT promotional use.
  • Work collaboratively with UCT staff if opportunities arise to host travel media, influencers, or special interest groups.
  • Use grant funds only for approved purposes. Failure to comply may result in penalties, including repayment of funds.
  • Use awarded funds within the designated timeframe or risk forfeiture and future ineligibility.
  • Submit a post-event report within 30 days of project completion detailing attendance, logo usage, room night generation (if applicable), and visitor demographics. Failure to submit makes the organization ineligible for future funding.
  • Any fraud, theft, or illegal use of funds will result in immediate termination, full repayment, permanent disqualification, and possible referral to authorities.
  • Events or projects that negatively impact Union County’s image may be disqualified from future funding.

Ineligible Expenditures

Grant funds may not be used for:

  • General business expansion unrelated to tourism or overnight visitation
  • Salaries, administrative costs, or staff compensation
  • Scholarships, endowments, or cash awards
  • Annual fund drives
  • In-kind services
  • General overhead expenses
  • Interest payments or debt reduction
  • Events or projects occurring outside Union County
  • Events that harm the image or reputation of Union County
  • Applications submitted by current Union County CVB Board of Trustees members during their tenure

Thank you!

Thank you for your work in presenting unique and engaging events and activities for visitors and residents alike.

Questions?

Contact Karen Eylon at keylon@unioncounty.org or Grace Croswell at gcroswell@unioncounty.org or call (937) 642-6279 with any questions. 

 

Each grant application will be considered on its own merits. The final determination of grant awards is solely at the discretion of the Tourism Grant Committee and Union County Tourism. Union County Tourism reserves the final authority to determine eligibility, disqualification, and reinstatement.

2026 Grant Application

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