Tourism Grants
2026 Tourism Grant Program Guidelines and Criteria
Purpose
The Tourism Grant Program is offered through Union County Tourism (UCT) to enhance the economic impact of tourism in our community. The grant program assists non-profit, for-profit, and municipal organizations with marketing, promotion, and event, attraction, and product development that increases destination appeal and enhances the visitor’s experience, resulting in increased visitation and room night generation.
Procedure
- One round of funding will be held annually. Applications for 2026 funding may be submitted online here until Friday, December 5, 2025. Regardless of grant funding approval history, applications must be submitted each year.
- Union County Tourism administers the grant program, which is funded through a portion of the lodging tax, under contract with the Union County Board of Commissioners.
- NEW this year, Union County Tourism has divided its grant program into two separate applications to serve better the diverse range of events that enrich our community. The standard grant will continue to support larger events that drive overnight stays and generate significant economic impact, aligning with the original intent of the program. In addition, a second application has been created for smaller-scale events that, while not yet at the caliber of major tourism drivers, play an important role in enhancing community life and local culture. These smaller events will be eligible for support at a lower funding level, capped at $1,000. UCT has $30,000 budget (awaiting approval on the final amount) for tourism grant funding in 2026.
- Any grant recipient from 2025 who has not completed a post-event report and met all criteria will be at risk of funding loss in 2026.
- Applications are reviewed by the Tourism Grant Committee and are awarded annually.
- Further follow-up with grant applicants may be necessary, as the committee moves through the review and approval phase.
Application Deadline
Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, December 5.
Notice of Approval
Applicants who have been approved for funding will be notified on or by January 9, 2026.
Funding Uses
Grant funds may be used for, but are not limited to:
- New or expanded events or tourism projects
- Advertising (billboards, website banner ads, print ads, Meta (Facebook and Instagram) ads, Google ad words online ads, radio spots, television ads, etc.)
- Marketing (videos, e-newsletters, etc.)
- Website design/upgrades
- Photography
- Graphic design and/or printing of promotional materials
- Signage (wayfinding, on-site attraction, visitor information kiosk)
- Brochure and guide distribution
- Other expenses as approved by UCT
Tourism Grant Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must ensure that their event/project/program:
- It is in Union County.
- Enhances the character and reputation for unique activities and memorable experiences in Union County.
- Encourages and assists new and appropriate tourism development or events in Union County.
- Generates additional sales and lodging taxes (for standard application) for the community, in that it appeals to visitors.
- Demonstrates a measurable community or economic benefit.
- Must be open to the public or have non-exclusive membership.
- Must comply with all local and state regulations regarding permits and handicap accommodations.
- No more than one grant application may be submitted by any one organization, per calendar year.
- Grant funds are limited. Applications must be fully completed for consideration.
Consideration
Primary consideration will be given to organizations that strive for the following criteria:
- Those who offer distinctive events/projects that contribute to the ability to attract visitors (especially those outside of a 50-mile radius), drive economic impact, generate room nights, and improve overall tourism assets in Union County*
- Organizations and events with a successful track record in communication, marketing, and execution, with a strong potential for growth in the future
- Entities with sustainable business and marketing plans
- Events/projects/programs that have determined how they will track visitors and/or out-of-town guests
- Events/projects/programs held during the off-peak or shoulder seasons, bringing tourists to the community during times they normally do not visit
- Offerings that present opportunities for media coverage
- Organizations with a solid funding plan that includes ongoing operating costs and maintenance
*For standard application
Obligations of Grant Recipients
If the application is approved, the grantee organization must agree to:
- All printed and broadcast materials and advertising copy must include the Union County Tourism logo, website, UnionCountyOH.com, and acknowledge Union County Tourism as a funding source. Noncompliance with logo or acknowledgment requirements may affect future eligibility.
- Organizations receiving a tourism grant must have a reciprocal link on their website to UnionCountyOH.com.
- Must submit the event to the events calendar on UnionCountyOH.com.
- When applicable, provide exhibit space at the event for UCT promotional use.
- Provide high-resolution, visitor-oriented images of the event for UCT promotional use (pre-event, if available, post-event is mandatory).
- When applicable, provide tickets to the event for UCT promotional use.
- Work cooperatively with the UCT staff if the event/offering presents an opportunity to showcase Union County to travel media, social media influencers, and/or special groups.
- Use funds as specified (see funding uses listed above). Failure to do so may result in penalties up to and including a full refund of grant funds.
- Note that failure to use awarded funds within the designated timeframe may result in forfeiture and ineligibility for the next grant cycle.
- Submit a post-event report within 30 days of the end of the event or project outlining attendance, proof of logo usage on marketing and promotional materials, proof of room night generation, if applicable, and visitor demographic information, if available. Failure to submit post-event reports within 30 days makes an organization ineligible for future funding.
- Fraud, theft, or illegal use of grant funds or event proceeds will result in immediate termination of the grant. Misuse or misallocation of funds for unapproved purposes can result in repayment and disqualification.
- If illegal activity or misuse is confirmed, the grantee must repay the grant in full.
- Organizations or individuals involved in such activity will be permanently ineligible for future Union County Tourism grants.
- Suspected criminal activity may be referred to law enforcement or other appropriate authorities.
- Events negatively impacting Union County’s image may be disqualified from future funding.
Ineligible Expenditures
- Grants are not to be used for general business expansion or development (project must demonstrate a reasonable link to potential overnight stays)
- Salaries, administrative expenses, or other monetary compensation to event or organization staff
- Scholarships or endowment funds
- Cash awards of any description
- Annual fund drives
- In-kind services
- Expenses are typically considered to be overhead
- Interest and/or other reductions of deficits on loans or debts
- Events that take place outside of Union County
- Events that harm the image of Union County
- The Union County CVB board of trustees is not permitted to apply 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.