2026 Arts Culture & Community Grant Guidelines

Overview

Tour Lake County supports events and programs focused on culture, history, and the fine and performing arts that also positively impact the travel and tourism industry in Lake County. Tour Lake County invests close to $100K into the County every year through this initiative.

Goals

  • Increase attendance and visitor spending by attracting NEW guests from outside of Lake County

  • Enhance events, programs, or their destination through arts and cultural elements.

  • Encourage growth and strengthen community bonds through arts and culture.

Eligibility

Eligible organizations, initiatives, or events must represent:

  • Visual and Performing Arts/Entertainment

  • Historic Attractions/Cultural Sites/Museums

  • Community Festivals & Special Events

Awards and Timeline

  • Grant requests for up to $10,000 per project will be considered in a competitive application process.

  • Applicants may apply for multiple projects per grant cycle, but the total award for Arts Culture & Community Grant per organization cannot exceed $10,000 per cycle.

  • Arts Culture & Community Grant applications must be submitted at least 30 days before project execution.

  • Projects must be completed within the 2026 calendar year.

  • The Committee will not judge incomplete applications.

  • It is important to note that lack of a detailed marketing plan will result in a negative score. This section negatively impacts our recipients each year due to inaccurate and unsubstantial information.

Application Proposal Timeline

Projects for May 1-December 31, 2026

January 1st starting at 8a.m.– March 2nd at 5:00p.m. | Online Applications here

Awards announced by April 3rd, 2026

Review our Grant Application Example
Lake Erie Sand Sculpture Tour

Grant Application Information

Applicants must provide the following to be considered:

  • A copy of a W-9 (Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification) form

  • Detailed project description

  • Project operational budget with revenue & expenses

  • Project marketing plan with target audiences

  • Requested performer/vendor/marketing quotes and/or contracts

  • Estimated attendance for the project with tracking methods to calculate visitor spending

  • Repeat events must present attendance and visitor spending data from past events

Helpful Optional Information to include:

  • Visitor spending

  • Number of hotel rooms/stays

  • Media coverage examples and/or links

It is the requirement of Tour Lake County to partner with other organizations for promotional and marketing activities who can provide 1:1 matching funds for their event or program.

Recognition and Acknowledgement Requirements

Initiatives using Arts Culture Community Grant must include Tour Lake County by including the Tour Lake County logos on all project marketing materials.

Arts Culture & Community Grant project funds CANNOT be used for the following:

  • Staffing/salaried employees—pay for salaried employees or existing full or part-time hourly employees.

  • Organizational operating support or operating expenses not directly related to the proposed project

  • Events whose primary purpose is to fund scholarships, awards, or cash prizes

  • Capital improvements, expenditures, acquisitions, and restorations (e.g., facilities and equipment, website upgrades/improvements)

  • Deficit reduction or elimination, trust endowments, cash reserves, penalty or litigation fees, loans, or interest on loans

  • Annual or endowment campaigns or membership drives

  • Programs or activities that are not designed to involve the general public

  • Religious activities advancing or inhibiting a particular religious ideology

  • Re-granting

  • Travel outside of the United States

  • Advocacy of specific political causes or candidates

Final Evaluation Reporting

In order to receive your funding after your event/program end date please provide:

  • The final evaluation form must be submitted within 30 days of project completion in order to receive your funding.

  • This includes:

    • A detailed summary of all expenditures from grant funding, including but not limited to invoices and receipts, detailed breakdown of cash expenses based on funds awarded to them. Must show 1:1 match for funds received.

    • Return on investment data, including visitor numbers and locations, the economic impact on the recipient organization, and the estimated effect on the Lake County community. This includes any attendance data or economic data gathered from the event.

  • 8-10 High quality photos/video showcasing the spirit of the event. (Sharing these photos and videos will positively impact future grant applications submissions).

  • Invoice made out to Lake County Visitors Bureau and emailed to Elyse Downie at elyse@tourlakecounty.com or mailed to 105 Main Street B101 Painesville, OH 44077