Go for It Grant Program

The Go for It Grant Program is an initiative led by the Plover Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (PACVB) aimed at stimulating tourism and enriching community life within the Plover Area. The PACVB, headquartered at 2400 Post Road, Plover, WI 54467, manages this local grant opportunity to support projects and events that are designed to drive visitor engagement and economic activity, particularly through increased overnight stays. The program’s underlying philosophy is to encourage innovation in tourism offerings by funding new events or enhancing existing attractions that appeal to both residents and visitors. The primary objective of the Go for It Grant Program is to fund projects and events that enhance the visitor experience and contribute to the overall appeal of the Plover Area. Examples of eligible uses of grant funds include recreational infrastructure such as trail enhancements and kayak or boat launches, sporting facility upgrades, and cultural programming. Additional focus areas include agritourism, musical and food-related events, car shows, as well as meetings, conferences, and conventions. Through this broad funding scope, the PACVB hopes to incentivize a range of initiatives that cater to diverse audiences and encourage regional tourism development. Eligibility for the grant is open to a wide variety of entities including businesses, event planners, nonprofit organizations, and organizers of conventions, tradeshows, or sporting events. While preference is given to initiatives located within Portage County or neighboring areas, the PACVB remains open to funding any initiative that presents a compelling case for increasing tourism to the Plover Area. The inclusion criteria are intentionally broad to allow for creative and varied submissions that demonstrate potential to impact the local economy positively. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, but proposals must be submitted at least 60 days prior to the requested funding date. Applicants must submit all required materials through the official online portal; supplemental information sent via email, postal mail, or other channels will not be considered unless specifically requested by the PACVB Board. The application requires detailed responses to questions about the nature of the project or event, funding use, anticipated economic and social impact, and potential for recurring tourism benefits. Events must also include information about projected overnight stays and marketing strategies. Upon completion of the funded event or project, grantees are required to submit a comprehensive financial report within 30 days detailing how the funds were utilized. This final reporting obligation ensures accountability and helps the PACVB assess the program’s impact. Additionally, applicants may be requested to present their proposal to the PACVB Board, allowing for a more in-depth evaluation and feedback process. The Go for It Grant Program does not specify a fixed funding cycle, instead operating year-round to accommodate a variety of schedules and planning timelines. While there is no stated minimum or maximum award amount, the PACVB emphasizes that proposals should be well-justified in terms of budget and expected outcomes. This flexible structure supports a wide array of initiatives, ranging from small-scale enhancements to larger, tourism-driving events. Given the rolling basis of application acceptance, it is recommended that interested applicants prepare their materials promptly and adhere strictly to the 60-day lead requirement.