Event Grants

Event Grants is sponsored by Erie Sports Commission. These grants are available to sporting event operators to assist with various event costs related to promoting and growing events and generating tourism in Erie County, Pennsylvania. The grants aim to support high-quality amateur sporting events, competitions, conferences, and meetings that advance and promote year-round tourism, economic impact, and quality of life in Erie County.

Facility Matching Funds - Erie Sports Commission The Facility Matching Funds Program was introduced in 2018 as part of the Erie Sports Commission’s mission to enhance local sports facilities and support the development of sports infrastructure. The program aids projects that attract new sporting events, or existing events, thereby increasing the potential for economic impact through sports tourism.

Grants are awarded based on merit as determined by the established criteria and selected by the Erie Sports Commission. Since its inception, over $240,000 has been awarded . In 2026, a total of $75,000 in matching funds will be awarded.

Fund requests up to $15,000 will be considered, and in extremely rare circumstances, requests that exceed $15,000 will be considered. Approved project applications will receive a dollar-for-dollar match from the Erie Sports Commission. Applicants must be located within Erie County, Pennsylvania and have facilities available to host tournaments and events that draw out-of-town participants.

Facilities must indicate existing tourism-based events or targeted events in the program application. Note: Preference will be given to applicants who are VisitErie partners in good standing at the time of application, as well as facilities who have not previously received funding through this program. Applicants may request an amount up to $15,000 to be considered.

In extremely rare circumstances, applicants with requests exceeding $15,000 will be considered. Projects that have already been completed will not be considered. Project expenses incurred prior to March 31 of the grant year are ineligible.

Applicants may apply once per cycle. Proof of payment (receipts or canceled checks) for improvements/equipment purchases related to the approved project must be provided before the Erie Sports Commission reimburses approved funding. A for-profit business that received a grant may be required to treat the grant as income and is responsible for paying any necessary taxes applicable thereto.

Upon completion of approved projects, the applicant must notify the Erie Sports Commission of the project’s completion with proof of performance (to include receipts, photos, etc.). The ESC will also require a site visit upon completion. All projects must reach 100% completion by December 31 of the year the grant is awarded.

Facility improvements made through the ESC Facility Matching Funds Program must be done with the intention of attracting new events that will drive new out-of-town tournaments or grow existing events and increase visitors to our region. All applications should address tourism. Participant matching funds must be in cash, not trade.

Once the grant is awarded and improvements are complete, the facility must allow the ESC to market the facility for future events and work closely with event organizers. Further recognition will be mutually agreed-upon following acceptance of the application. Any requests for grant funding to assist with equipment purchases should directly lead to increased sports tourism for Erie County.

Projects that require approval from third parties prior to execution must have those secured prior to application consideration. Application review will take place following submission deadline. Around the Post , $1,500 for the purchase of a court sweeper; Booker T.

Washington Center , $3,000 to support the repair of water-damaged areas of the gym floor, re-coat the entire surface and to reline the court; Critter Path Sporting Clays , $3,000 to enhance the second half of the trail system to host the 2026 PA State Sporting Clays Tournament; Denny Lowes Complex , $35,000 to support the multi-phase renovation; Erie Rugby , $2,000 for the purchase of rugby posts; FLAG Little League Complex , $5,000 to support construction of new batting cages; Highlander Youth Sports , $1,000 for infield redressing at the baseball/softball fields; Lake Shore BMX , $2,500 to support paving the rear of the starting hill and upgrading facility lighting to LED; Lampe Courtesy Dock , $10,000 to support the purchase of a new courtesy dock with lightning and ADA accessibility; Presque Isle Pickleball , $5,000 to support party room conversion to spectator viewing area; Sinai Sports , $2,000 for the purchase of obstacles, mats and truss components; Westwood Racquet Club , $5,000 to support renovations to the second floor that increase spectator capacity and improve viewing.

For questions or application issues, please contact ben@eriesports. com .