Stark County Convention & Visitors' Bureau
The Stark County Convention & Visitors’ Bureau, which operates as Visit Canton, is a public charity based in Canton, Ohio. It promotes travel to Stark County and supports the regional travel and tourism industry, including through grants for cultural tourism and event support.
Stark County Convention & Visitors' Bureau at a glance
In short: Stark County Convention & Visitors' Bureau gave $597K across 18 grants in 2024 (avg $33K), mostly in Ohio. 17% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $596,695
- +25.5% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 18
- -25.0% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $33,150
- +67.3% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $17,192
- Total assets
- $7,488,208
- +12.9% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 17% first-time grantees (3 of 18, 2024; small sample)
- Primary geography
- Ohio (100% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Stark County Convention & Visitors' Bureau
- How to Apply
-
The program information describes a competitive application process and requires applications at least 90 days before project execution. Confirm current eligibility and application details for each cycle, as these may change.
- Review Cycle
- March 20, 2026, for the 2026 program; this deadline has passed.
- Deadline
- March 20, 2026, for the 2026 program; this deadline has passed.
- Contact
Mailing address: 401 Market Avenue N, Canton, OH 44702
Phone: (330) 454-1439
Website: https://visitcanton.com
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
1 open opportunity from Stark County Convention & Visitors' Bureau
Who Stark County Convention & Visitors' Bureau funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Arts in Stark ($166K). Together the top 10 received $528K.
Grant Size Distribution
85 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 75 grants of 85 (88%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Bureau’s stated mission and program description focus on travel and tourism in Stark County. All 2024 grant dollars listed in the filing went to recipients in Ohio.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 18 itemized grants.
Cities
Is Stark County Convention & Visitors' Bureau open to new grantees?
17%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 3 of 18 grantees (17%) were first-time recipients. With only 18 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 6 points. First grants averaged $16K; repeat grants $37K. How we count
Medians: $14K first-time, $20K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2020–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $475K (2023) to $1.4M (2021). In 2024 it made 18 grants totaling $597K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Arts in Stark Canton, OH | Arts & Cultural Tourism | $166,339 |
| Massillon Museum Massillon, OH | Arts & Cultural Tourism | $131,782 |
| Canton Museum of Art Canton, OH | Major Exhibition Grant and Arts & Cultural Tourism | $52,003 |
| National First Ladies' Library Canton, OH | Arts & Cultural Tourism | $34,650 |
| Canton Symphony Orchestra Asso Caton, OH | Arts & Cultural Tourism | $34,300 |
| National Football Museum Canton, OH | Arts & Cultural Tourism | $30,000 |
| Canton Ballet Canton, OH | Arts & Cultural Tourism | $24,250 |
| Bluecoats Drum & Bugle Corps North Canton, OH | Arts & Cultural Tourism | $20,000 |
| Dressler Pub Group Canton, OH | Arts & Cultural Tourism | $20,000 |
| McKinley Presidential Library & Museum Canton, OH | Arts & Cultural Tourism | $14,383 |
Ready to take the next step with Stark County Convention & Visitors' Bureau?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
The organization’s 2024 filing also reports $35,000 in U.S. government revenue from the Employee Retention Credit program.
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $7,488,208 | $4,080,878 | $4,095,286 | $596,695 | 18 | $127,750 |
| 2023 | $6,635,149 | $4,078,466 | $3,181,262 | $475,476 | 24 | $132,456 |
| 2022 | $5,126,753 | $3,704,773 | $3,282,201 | $665,403 | 16 | $83,787 |
| 2021 | $5,400,707 | $4,282,129 | $3,482,573 | $1,371,370 | 8 | $38,578 |
| 2020 | $4,330,672 | $1,872,886 | $1,851,848 | $480,950 | 19 | $20,960 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The organization’s mission is to attract and engage visitors, serve and educate regional tourism partners, and generate economic growth through travel and tourism development. Its program description also cites support for tourism partners and participation in regional economic development discussions.
Its Cultural Tourism Grants support arts and cultural events, programming, and marketing initiatives intended to attract new visitors from outside Stark County, increase visitor spending, and foster community collaboration. In 2024, recipients included arts organizations, museums, a library, a symphony, a ballet company, and a drum and bugle corps. For example, ArtsinStark describes its own mission as using the arts to advance economic development, tourism, well-being, and education in Stark County; the Massillon Museum describes itself as a cultural hub where art and history come together.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, the Bureau reported 18 grants totaling $596,695. Individual awards ranged from $5,115 to $166,339, with a median of $17,192. The largest grants included $166,339 to ArtsinStark, $131,782 to the Massillon Museum, $52,003 to the Canton Museum of Art, and $34,650 to the National First Ladies’ Library. The stated purposes for these awards included arts and cultural tourism; the Canton Museum of Art award also included a major exhibition grant.
The 2026 Cultural Tourism Grant program described in the program information offered up to $200,000 in total funding, with a maximum of $20,000 per project and per organization per cycle. Applications were described as competitive. Projects were to focus on arts and cultural events, programming, or marketing; attract new guests from outside Stark County; and be completed during calendar year 2026. Applications were due at least 90 days before project execution. The program page also states that awards are not commitments of future-year support and that applications are subject to annual eligibility and committee review processes.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Allyson Bussey as President, Derek Gordon as Treasurer, Susie Steiner as Vice Chair, Chris Nichols as Chairman, and Ed Murray as Secretary. It also lists Anne Graffice, Barb Abbott, Clayton Popic, Dan Dehoff, and David Lee as directors. Visit Canton’s staff page identifies Bussey as President & CEO.
Stark County Convention & Visitors' Bureau is led by Allyson Bussey, President on every filing since 2020; 1 of 18 officers listed in 2024 is compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Allyson Bussey
President
On filings since 2020
37.5 hrs/week
$114K (2020) → $167K (2024)
Chris Nichols
Chairman
Secretary → Treasurer, 2021
Treasurer → Chairman, 2024
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Anne Graffice
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Barb Abbott
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Ren Camacho
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Scott Swaldo
Director
Past Chair → Director, 2024
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Sherry Groom
Director
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Joe Horrigan
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Clayton Popic
Director
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Dan Dehoff
Director
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
David Lee
Director
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Greg Miller
Director
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Lynn Shimko
Director
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Maureen Ater
Director
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Stephen MacKenzie
Director
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Susie Steiner
Vice Chair
Director → Vice Chair, 2024
On filings since 2021
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Derek Gordon
Treasurer
Director → Treasurer, 2024
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Ed Murray
Secretary
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (19)
- Former: Alexandra Coon (2020–2023) — Vice Chair
- Former: Daniel Dehoff (2020–2023) — Chairman
- Former: Ray Hexamer (2020–2023) — Director
- Former: Renee Powell (2020–2023) — Director
- Former: Robert Mullen (2020–2023) — Director
- Former: Barbara Abbott (2021–2023) — Director
- Former: David Whitehall (2021–2023) — Director
- Former: Renato Camacho (2021–2023) — Director
- Former: Susan Monteleone (2021–2023) — Director
- Former: Christa Koxy (2023) — Director
- Former: Edward Murray (2020–2022) — Chairman
- Former: Seth Coblentz (2021–2022) — Director
- Former: Gerald Mastroianni (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: John Lodgson (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Robert Fonte (2021) — Director
- Former: Bob Fonte (2020) — Director
- Former: Joe Daleiden (2020) — Treasurer
- Former: Marion Coblentz (2020) — Director
- Former: Robb Hankins (2020) — Director
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $167K, to Allyson Bussey (President).
Frequently asked questions about Stark County Convention & Visitors' Bureau
How much does Stark County Convention & Visitors' Bureau give each year?
Stark County Convention & Visitors' Bureau gave $597K across 18 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $475K across 24 grants.
What is Stark County Convention & Visitors' Bureau's typical grant size?
Stark County Convention & Visitors' Bureau's median grant in 2024 was $17,192, and its average grant was $33,150, across 18 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from Stark County Convention & Visitors' Bureau that year got $16K on average.
Where does Stark County Convention & Visitors' Bureau give grants?
Stark County Convention & Visitors' Bureau gives mostly in Ohio: 100% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Canton, OH (12 grants) and Massillon, OH (2 grants).
Does Stark County Convention & Visitors' Bureau give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 18 grants with a stated purpose on Stark County Convention & Visitors' Bureau's 2024 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Arts & Cultural Tourism" (17 grants).
Who are Stark County Convention & Visitors' Bureau's largest grantees?
Stark County Convention & Visitors' Bureau's largest 2024 grantees include Arts in Stark ($166,339), Massillon Museum ($131,782) and Canton Museum of Art ($52,003), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. Together they received 59% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Stark County Convention & Visitors' Bureau?
Stark County Convention & Visitors' Bureau reported $7.5M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $4.1M.
What does Stark County Convention & Visitors' Bureau fund?
The organization’s mission is to attract and engage visitors, serve and educate regional tourism partners, and generate economic growth through travel and tourism development. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Stark County Convention & Visitors' Bureau?
The program information describes a competitive application process and requires applications at least 90 days before project execution. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Stark County Convention & Visitors' Bureau's EIN?
Stark County Convention & Visitors' Bureau's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 47-4985751. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS November 8, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 11, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 13, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 4, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 11, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Other open foundation grants in Ohio
Ohio Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Stark County Convention & Visitors' Bureau's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Arts in Stark
Canton, OH
ArtsinStark funds arts organizations, artists, schools, and community partnerships in Stark County, Ohio, including arts projects tied to education, well-being, community vitality, and cultural tourism. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,500 to $136,496, with a median of $27,144; it also offers project grants of $2,500–$7,500 and cultural tourism grants of up to $20,000. Its ArtsImpact application cycle is stated to be closed, and the profile does not say whether it accepts unsolicited requests for other grants.
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Total Given
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Hoover Foundation Income Account
Columbus, OH
The Hoover Foundation Income Account primarily funds public-supported community funds, hospitals and health agencies, colleges, and community organizations, with most grants going to Ohio. In 2025, grants ranged from $500 to $315,000, with a median of $25,000. It accepts requests by letter stating the amount and purpose; it does not fund individuals.
Assets
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Stark Community Foundation
Canton, OH
Stark Community Foundation funds charitable organizations and projects addressing education, arts and culture, economic development, health, hunger, and other community needs, primarily benefiting Stark County, Ohio. Community Responsive Grants typically range from $2,500 to $50,000; applications are accepted on a rolling basis through its online portal.
Assets
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Grants
260
Total Given
$14.6M
Fred F Silk Charitable Foundation
Louisville, OH
The Fred F Silk Charitable Foundation’s reported grants supported Ohio organizations, including designated funds, endowed scholarships, student aid, and building projects. Its 2021 giving totaled $18.6 million across 27 grants, with a median grant of $20,000; it gave only to preselected organizations and did not accept unsolicited requests. The foundation’s 2020 filing was marked as its final return, so it may no longer be active.
Assets
—
Grants
27
Total Given
$18.6M
Henry & Louise Timken Foundation
Canton, OH
The Henry & Louise Timken Foundation supports general operating needs across education, history, hunger relief, arts, higher education, and community services, primarily in Ohio, with occasional funding in Michigan. In 2024, it made 10 grants ranging from $10,000 to $107,222, with a median of $20,000. No application process or instructions are stated.
Assets
$11.2M
Grants
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Total Given
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Ohio Humanities Council
Columbus, OH
Ohio Humanities funds public-facing humanities projects such as lectures, workshops, exhibits, conferences, and teacher development across Ohio. Its 2024 grants ranged from $10,000 to $17,500, with a median of $15,000. It offers competitive grants, but whether it accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.
Assets
$1.6M
Grants
14
Total Given
$213K
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Stark County Convention & Visitors' Bureau funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 25, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/stark-county-convention-and-visitors-bureau-morg_ee4187721598485ca19e629f8044d275
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_474985751_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Stark County Convention \& Visitors' Bureau funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/stark-county-convention-and-visitors-bureau-morg_ee4187721598485ca19e629f8044d275},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-25. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Stark County Convention & Visitors' Bureau's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
Stark County Convention & Visitors' Bureau down — hundreds of funders to go?