Purpose:

The VisitErie Event Matching Funds Program was created to provide matching dollars to event planners to use to for promotions or event operations for events that attract visitors outside of Erie County.

Available Funds: $5,000

VisitErie has a total of $10,000 in available funds to be awarded for event promotion or operations in 2024. An initial amount of $5,000 has been allocated for Round One. Round Two will launch in June 2024. Fund requests up to $1,000 will be considered. Grants will be awarded to 10 businesses holding an event in 2024. Approved project applications will receive a dollar-for-dollar match from VisitErie for marketing or event operations. Checks will be issued 60 days prior to the event.

Eligible Applicants:

Applicants must be located within Erie County, Pennsylvania and host an event that draws out-of-town visitors.

Qualifications

• Applicants are not required to be partners of VisitErie, but preference will be given to VisitErie partners.
• Applicants cannot be participating or plan to participate in other VisitErie Matching Funds programs.
• Applicants will send materials to VisitErie for review prior to the launch of event development and operations.
• Applicants must outline use of matching dollars.
• Campaign must be executed by the applicant in the 2024 calendar year.
• Event should have broad appeal to tourists.

How the program works if selected:

• Applications will be reviewed by VisitErie and scored based on these program criteria:
  
  • Target Market
  • Regional Promotion
  • Event Goals
  • Budget
• Applicant send materials to VisitErie for review prior to the launch of the campaign.
• Applicant will track program and provide a report to VisitErie to measure its success and event participation no more than 30 days from event taking place.
• If a final report is not provided, this will jeopardize future participation in Matching Funds programs.

Deadline for Round One applications is February 23. Applicants will be notified by March 1.