Local Event Grant

Geographic Scope: Lake County, Minnesota lodging district

Purpose: Lovin' Lake County recognizes and appreciates local organizations for their efforts in community events. The organization offers financial assistance to Lake County businesses and organizations through a Lake County Event Marketing Grant to promote tourism and economic development, stimulate the local economy, and enhance quality of life for residents.

Mission

• Promote and develop tourism and economic development through marketing and events
• Stimulate Lake County's economy and enhance the quality of life for all who live here
• Protect the area's unique attributes to benefit all Lake County residents

Eligibility

• Events must occur within the Lake County, MN lodging district
• Events must begin within 3 months of grant award
• At time of application, applicant must not have any outstanding or open Lovin' Lake County grants
• Grant recipients must submit all receipts and documentation from past events before LLC will consider new applications
• Events cannot be used for political purposes, including fundraising for political candidates

Award Details

• Award Range: $300 - $30,000
• Match Requirements:
  • 50/50 match required for all grants over $1,500
  • 25/75 match for non-profit grant requests over $1,500
  • In-kind materials and/or labor expenses are ineligible for project match
• Caps: Lake County bars and restaurants have a yearly cap of $10,000
• Decision Timeline: LLC will announce awards within 30 days of receiving an application
• Partial Funding: LLC reserves the right to award full or partial funding
• Appeals: All award decisions are final and not subject to appeal

Evaluation Criteria

LLC will prioritize events that:

• Enhance residents' quality of life and visitor experiences
• Demonstrate significant economic impact
• Are the most competitive applications

What They Fund

• Event marketing and promotion expenses
• Eligible event expenditures once grant contract is executed

What They Don't Fund

• In-kind materials and/or labor expenses (for match requirement purposes)
• Political events or fundraising for political candidates
• Expenditures before grant contract execution

Capital Expenditures

• LLC will own any capital expenditures valued at more than $1,000

Contact Information

Michelle Peterson

• Phone: (218) 996-5633
• Email: Available through website contact

Additional Requirements

• Events must begin within 3 months of grant award
• Grant recipients must submit final Event Summary and Evaluation report within 30 days post-event
• Recipients must return any unused grant monies within 30 days of event date
• Lovin' Lake County must be listed as a sponsor on all advertising and marketing materials
• Failure to comply may result in legal action to recover funding and denial of future grants

Application Process

1. Review and Accept Guidelines
   • Read and understand the LLC Grant Guidelines and Requirements
   • Understand that grants are not guaranteed and approval is at Lovin' Lake County's discretion
   • Agree to the guidelines before applying
2. Complete Application Form
   • Business/Organization Name
   • Non-Profit Status (checkbox if applicable)
   • First Name
   • Last Name
   • Email
   • Phone
   • Website
   • Event Start Date
   • Event End Date
   • Event Goals & Objectives
   • Marketing Goals
   • Event Budget & Expenses
   • Additional Funding Requested
   • Grant Amount
   • Expected Attendance
   • How can Lovin' Lake County Help?
   • Preparing for Risks
   • Previous Experience
   • Multiple Requests
3. Required Documents
   • Cost Estimates: All expenditures must be expressed in the grant application
   • Resolution: Authorizing applicant must apply, sign, and complete the grant contract to accept project funds
   • Letters of Support: Encouraged to strengthen application
   • Tax Documents:
   • IRS Form 990 or 990-EZ
   • IRS Form W-9
4. Submit Application
   • Complete the online application form
   • You will be directed to submit once you agree to the guidelines
5. Post-Award Requirements (if funded)
   • Sign the grant contract
   • Submit W-9 for tax purposes
   • Funds will be dispersed upon completion of these requirements
   • Must not begin event before execution of grant contract
6. Post-Event Reconciliation (within 30 days)
   • Completed Event Summary and Evaluation Form
   • Copies of receipts and vendor invoices
   • Proof of payment for vendor invoices
   • Proof of advertising tactics (if applicable)
   • Proof that Lovin' Lake County is listed as sponsor on all advertising and marketing materials:
   • Name or logo on website/event page with link to LovinLakeCounty.com
   • Listed as co-host on social media, print ads, T-shirts, banners, radio, and TV ads
   • Lodging data collection (via post-event survey)
   • Participant and spectator data numbers (via post-event survey)
   • Return any unused grant monies with supporting receipts

Important Notes

• Grants are competitive
• Only eligible expenditures after grant contract execution are reimbursable
• All award decisions are final and not subject to appeal
• Failure to submit reconciliation materials will result in ineligibility for future grants
• Failure to return unused funds within 30 days may result in legal action and denial of future grants