2026 Experience Butler County PA Partner Grant

Purpose: Enhance the tourism experience and increase overnight stays within Butler County, Pennsylvania.

Geographic Scope: Butler County, Pennsylvania

Funding Details

• Total Available: $60,000 in grants for 2026
• Maximum per Project: $5,000
• Minimum per Project: $500
• Award Basis: Merit-based, determined by Experience Butler County PA Grant Review Committee, administered by Board of Directors and President of EBC
• Award Timeline: Winners announced at annual Toast to Tourism Event (May 6, 2026)
• Project Timeline: July 1, 2026 - June 15, 2027

Eligibility

• Partners Only: Current EBC partners only
• No Membership Lapses: Partners with lapses in membership dues are ineligible
• Organization Type: Both for-profit and nonprofit businesses eligible
• Multiple Applications: An organization may only apply for one individual grant per year but may be listed as a partner on one other application per year
• Repeat Applicants: Winners may reapply every year, but new projects receive priority consideration

Funding Requirements

• Local Match: Minimum 25% cash or in-kind local match required (PA Act 18 compliance)
• Compliance: Must be directly and substantially related to tourism; must augment and not compete with private sector efforts; must improve and expand the county as a destination market

Eligible Project Categories

1. Collaborative Projects: Collaborative activities among various EBC partners or single partner promoting overnight stays
2. Capital Projects: Scheduled improvements benefiting tourism and visitor experience by developing new or enhancing existing tourist attractions or amenities
   • Note: Projects replacing/repairing physical attributes deemed "normal cost of doing business" will not be funded
3. Marketing Projects: Advertising targeted to non-county residents, minimum 50 miles from business location
   • Note: No funding for local publications, local high school sports programs, local dance troupe programs, etc.
   • All projects must carry current EBC logo

What Will NOT Be Funded

• Standard operational expenses (payroll, utilities)
• Religious or political purposes
• Websites
• Projects deemed normal cost of doing business

Priority Criteria

Higher priority given to applications that:

• Encourage overnight stays
• Promote collaboration among lodging and activities
• Target new markets
• Include collaboration with additional partners
• Enhance the visitor experience

Application & Award Process

• Applicants must present project to committee (maximum 5 minutes)
• Presentations can be in-person or pre-approved Zoom call
• All funds awarded at completion of project
• Recipients must submit final report between July 1, 2026 - June 15, 2027
• Final report must include: summary, photos, receipts, proof of 25% match
• Repeat applicants must provide evidence of success (room nights, bookings, increased business)

Historical Context

• 2025: Nearly $50,000 awarded to 15 recipients
• 2024: Nearly $50,000 awarded to 15 recipients
• 2023: Grants awarded to 9 recipients
• 2022: $100,000 total awarded to 28 recipients

Past Project Examples

• Burgh Bits & Bites Food Tours - new brochures
• Derailleur Bike Shop Cafe - bike racks and e-bike charging stations
• Spring Street Studios - mosaic mural
• SurfSUP Adventures - digital advertising campaign
• Cranberry Township Community Waterpark - illuminated signage
• The Shops on West Diamond - signage and landscaping
• Buttercup Woodlands Campground - playground renovation
• Butler AM Rotary - interactive ice slide steps

Application Process

1. Timing:
   • October 30, 2025: Online applications become available (partners-only section of EBC website)
   • March 13, 2026: Application deadline
   • May 6, 2026: Winners announced at Toast to Tourism Event (attendance required to receive funds)
2. Required Materials:
   • Complete online application form
   • Description of project and how it improves visitor experience
   • Narrative explaining project details
   • Evidence of 25% local cash or in-kind match
   • For repeat projects: concrete evidence of success (measurable data on room nights, bookings, increased business)
3. Application Features:
   • Online submission through partners-only section of EBC website
   • Option to save submission and return later
   • All required fields must be completed
4. After Award:
   • Project completion deadline: June 15, 2027
   • Final report submission required for reimbursement (between July 1, 2026 - June 15, 2027)
   • Final report format provided to recipients
   • Final report includes: summary, photos, receipts, proof of 25% match
5. Committee Review:
   • Application reviewed by EBC Grant Review Committee
   • Applicant presentation required (5 minutes maximum)
   • Presentations in-person or by pre-approved Zoom
   • Committee may withhold funds if insufficient qualified applications submitted

Contact

• Rick Yarosz: Rick@ExperienceButler.com or 724-234-4619
• Full guidelines available on EBC website