The Erie Sports Commission is still accepting applications for its Facility Matching Funds Program. The application portal will be closing next week on March 31.
The Facility Matching Funds Program was created with the intention of attracting new events that will drive new out-of-town tournaments or grow existing events and visitors to our region. New this year, $75,000 in matching funds will be awarded, a 25% increase from the $60,000 awarded in 2024. The program offers support to local sports facilities with renovations, equipment upgrades or new construction.
Applicants can request matching funds up to $15,000, with requests more than $15,000 considered in rare circumstances. In addition, applicants must be located within Erie County, Pennsylvania and have facilities available to host tournaments and events that generate tourism. All projects must reach at least 50% completion by December 31 of the year the grant is awarded.
In 2024, the Erie Sports Commission saw a record number of applications, and a total of $60,000 was awarded to 10 organizations. Since the program's inception in 2018, a total of $165,700 has been awarded.
Past recipients include ASCEND Climbing, Erie Sports Center, Eastland Bowl, Flo Fabrizio Ice Center, LECOM Sports Park (formerly ERIEBANK Sports Park), Around the Post, Erie Gymnastics Center, Millcreek Youth Athletic Association, Lake Erie Speedway and Sinai Sports.
For more information and to apply, visit https://www.eriesportscommission.com/facility-matching-funds/.
