The County of Simcoe is accepting applications for its 2022 Tourism, Culture and Sport Enhancement Fund until February 28. This year, County Council has allocated $300,000 to help fund projects or experiences that will benefit regional tourism, culture and sport.
“The Tourism, Culture and Sports sector has been one of hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, and County Council is pleased to be able to provide $300,000 of additional support for our local partners through this year’s Tourism, Culture and Sport Enhancement Fund,” said Warden George Cornell. “Simcoe County is a premier destination to live, work and play. These funds will assist local organizations to showcase our area, boost our local economy, and help this important industry with its continued recovery.”
The Tourism, Culture and Sport Enhancement Fund has been adapted this year to focus on project enhancement. Applicants must show that their initiative is sustainable without funding, and that any funding obtained would serve to increase or improve the value, quality, desirability, or attractiveness of the proposed initiative in order to increase visitation to Simcoe County.
The funding allows each applicant organization to apply for a maximum of $20,000. Two new funding streams have also been added – Main Street Enhancement and Sports Tourism. Funds will support and enhance tourism, culture and sport in Simcoe County by:
- Investing in initiatives that promote awareness, access, participation and appreciation of the diverse tourism, culture and sport offerings within the County of Simcoe
- Encouraging industry collaboration and partnerships
- Enhancing the visitor experience by supporting innovative and accessible programming
- Building organizational capacity in tourism, culture and sport organizations
- Contributing to the County of Simcoe’s overall economic health and sense of place
Applications will be accepted for photo and/or video production, storytelling, product and/or experience development, marketing, event enhancement, operator engagement, capacity-building activities, cycling infrastructure, tourism wayfinding signage, and more.
All applications will be reviewed by the County of Simcoe’s Grants Task Force, consisting of appointed County Councillors with support from County staff. The funding will be divided among successful applicants based on program requirements, objectives and overall benefit to the entire region.
Interested applicants may submit their application until Monday, February 28, 2022 at 4:30 pm.
Click here to learn more about the program.
Questions?
Contact Brianne Dubeau or any member of the Tourism Simcoe County team.