Event Support Grants

The Visit Canton Event Support Grant is a regional economic initiative designed to drive tourism and enhance the economic impact of visitor spending within Stark County, Ohio. Administered by Visit Canton, this program strategically supports the development and growth of sporting events, tournaments, expos, conferences, and other major gatherings that attract non-local attendees. The initiative aims to increase hotel stays and day visitors, supporting events that contribute significantly to the local economy. Eligible applicants include sports rights holders, local organizing committees, event and meeting planners, and professional or fraternal associations. For-profit organizations may also apply under the condition that their events generate a community benefit and include a local partnership. In these cases, funding is available only for the first three years of hosting the event in Stark County. Subsequent support may be awarded if the event demonstrates measurable year-over-year growth. All applicants must secure at least 50% matching funds, either through direct financial investment or in-kind support. To qualify, events must take place within Stark County during the 2026 calendar year and must result in at least 125 hotel room nights or 400-day visitors from outside the county. Events must also occur outside of a 90-mile/90-day proximity window, and certain blackout dates may apply based on hotel room availability. Fundable expenses include venue rental, transportation, hospitality, marketing initiatives to attract attendees, and enhanced visitor experiences. However, standard staffing costs and alcohol-related expenses are ineligible. Grants of up to $10,000 per event are available and are awarded through a competitive application process. Applications must be submitted no less than 90 days prior to the event start date, and will be accepted on a rolling basis beginning September 10, 2025, contingent on available funds. Visit Canton requires a range of application materials, including a detailed event description, operational budget, marketing plan, vendor quotes, estimated attendance data, and, for recurring events, historical attendance and spending information. Applicants must also provide a plan for proceeding if full funding is not granted. Funded projects must acknowledge Visit Canton in promotional materials and complete a Memorandum of Understanding to receive the initial 70% of funds. The remaining 30% will be disbursed after a final report documenting expenditures and return on investment is submitted and reviewed. This report must include data such as hotel room bookings, attendee locations, and economic impact metrics. Non-compliance with reporting requirements may impact eligibility for future funding. Additional support opportunities may include Sustainability Grants for recurring events and Sponsorships for events offering significant media exposure and out-of-market branding. Events subject to competitive bidding processes may also qualify for specialized support. Interested applicants are encouraged to contact Zita Blile at zitab@visitcanton.com to confirm eligibility and initiate the application process.

Applications must be complete and submitted 90+ days before the event. Partial funding plans are mandatory.