Facility Matching Funds

Purpose:

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.

Available Funds: $75,000

In 2024, $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.

Eligible Applicants:

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.

Guidelines:

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.
Applicants may apply once per cycle.
Proof of payment for improvements 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 at least 50% 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 visitors to our region. All applications should address tourism.
Participant contributions 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 equipment should directly lead to increased sports tourism for Erie County.

Previous Awardees:

2024

First Round: Sinai Sports, $10,000, purchase additional ninja equipment; ASCEND Erie, $7,000, to purchase additional climbing infrastructure; Papa's Sports Warehouse, $7,000, interior upgrades; Eastland Bowl, $3,000, interior upgrades; and Hagerty Family Events Center, $3,000, purchase of gymnasium floor runners.

Second Round: The Erie Hunt & Saddle Club, $10,000, for stall renovations; LECOM Sports Park, $10,000, to assist in the construction of The Summit Room; Flo Fabrizio Ice Center, $6,000, to purchase a sound system; McDowell Baseball Boosters, $3,000, towards baseball field improvements; and American Power Gym, $1,000, purchase of strict curl equipment.

2023

Erie Sports Center, $18,000, purchase equipment for the additional of four baseball/softball fields; ASCEND Erie, $15,000, purchase supplies/equipment needed to host competitions; Around the Post, $12,000, creation of four dedicated indoor pickleball courts; Lake Erie Speedway, $10,000, repaving of portions of the pit area; Lake Shore BMX, $4,000, purchase track glue and the creation of a strider track; and Asbury Woods, $1,000, purchase of a hydration station.

2022

Erie Sports Center, $5,000, developed and equipped outdoor volleyball nets; MSA Premier Soccer Park, $5,000, purchased soccer and lacrosse goals; Rambler Wrestling Club, $3,700, purchased a new wrestling mat; and Stars and Stripes, $2,500, purchased a new scoring system.