Skip to content

66 Projects and Counting: Visitor-Funded Investments Continue Strengthening Door County

February 13, 2026 – Door County, WI.  Destination Door County (DDC) is excited to announce the latest round of Community Investment Fund awards, distributing $349,942 to support seven local initiatives focused on improving public safety and accessibility, enhancing outdoor recreation, and strengthening cultural assets throughout Door County. With this latest funding cycle, the program has now contributed to 66 projects countywide, underscoring its expanding role in supporting community development.

This round of funding includes two local units of government and five nonprofit organizations, with individual project awards ranging from $8,000 to $100,000. Funded projects span from Southern Door County to Washington Island.

Projects selected for funding must meet clearly defined eligibility requirements. The dollars used for the Community Investment Fund are derived from room tax revenue paid by overnight visitors and allocated to DDC through its agreement with the Door County Tourism Zone Commission. Wisconsin state statute governs how these funds may be used.

“The Community Investment Fund continues to demonstrate how tourism can directly support the places and experiences that make Door County special,” said Jon Jarosh, Interim President/CEO at Destination Door County. “These particular projects strengthen public safety, expand access to the outdoors, and preserve the cultural assets that define our communities, ensuring both residents and visitors benefit from thoughtful, long-term investments. We are proud to partner with local governments and nonprofit organizations to help bring these impactful projects to life from Southern Door to Washington Island,” he said.

The projects that were awarded funding in the program’s twelfth grant cycle include:

  • County of Door received support to purchase a countywide, mobile, crash-rated barrier system to protect festivals, parades, and sporting events, ensuring a safer experience for residents and visitors alike. Investment amount: $100,000.
  • Door County Land Trust received support toward the creation of a new shorefront nature preserve, providing free public access for hiking, photography, skiing, hunting, and angling on an environmentally unique and significant parcel. Investment amount: $100,000.
  • Gathering Ground received support to construct a pavilion, trails, and a new food processing station, strengthening agrotourism offerings while supporting educational programming and local food production. Investment amount: $66,000.
  • Peninsula School of Art received support to construct ADA-compliant sidewalks and campus pathways, improving pedestrian access, visibility, and connectivity between its campus and downtown Fish Creek. Investment amount: $40,000.
  • Greater Escarpment Organization of Door County received support to install outdoor exhibits as part of the outdoor museum's final phase, helping visitors understand the geological, environmental, and cultural significance of the Niagara Escarpment. Investment amount: $24,000.  This project also received an additional $12,500 from other funds at the Community Foundation, bringing the total investment for the project to $36,500.
  • Town of Liberty Grove received support for the purchase and installation of a floating launch pier at the Ellison Bay Marina, improving water access and safety as water levels fluctuate. Investment amount: $11,942.
  • Belgian Heritage Center received support to make improvements to its historic burial site and surrounding grounds, enhancing the visitor experience while respectfully preserving and celebrating Door County's Belgian heritage. Investment amount: $8,000.

These seven most recent projects join 59 local projects that previously received grant funding, bringing the total impact from DDC’s Community Investment Fund to $3,455,771 since the program began in May 2023. A list of every grant that has been awarded is available at DoorCounty.com/cif.

The next grant application deadline is Monday, March 23, 2026, at 4 PM. Qualified applicants include 501(c)(3) public charities, 501(c)(6) organizations, and local units of government.

Destination Door County encourages any interested local non-profit organization or local municipality to schedule a meeting with the Door County Community Foundation, DDC’s Community Investment Fund administrative partner, to discuss their idea before submitting an application. Call the Community Foundation at 920-746-1786 or email grants@givedoorcounty.org to schedule an appointment. For details about the program and to view funding requirements along with the online application, visit CommunityInvestmentFund.org.

#########

Destination Door County is the official tourism marketing and management organization for Door County whose mission is to inspire travel that drives community enhancement while working to ensure all travelers feel welcome, preserving the county’s way of life and protecting the region’s natural resources.

Media contact:
Jon Jarosh
Interim President/CEO + Chief Communications Officer
Destination Door County

920.818.1133 or jon@doorcounty.com