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Community Investment Fund Continues Countywide Impact with Latest Grants

Door County, WI. May 26, 2026. Destination Door County (DDC) today announced the latest round of Community Investment Fund grants, awarding $318,852 to five local projects to advance accessibility, history, and culture. With this latest funding cycle, the program has now contributed to 71 projects countywide.

Recipients include two government entities, two non-profit friends’ groups, and one non-profit art organization, with project investments ranging from $7,000 to $125,000.

All awarded projects had to meet specific requirements in order qualify for funding as the dollars DDC is using for this program come from room tax collections that overnight visitors to the county pay and that DDC receives as part of their agreement with the Door County Tourism Zone Commission. Wisconsin state statute dictates the use of those dollars.

“These projects reflect the kind of investments that strengthen Door County for both residents and visitors,” said Jon Jarosh, Interim President/CEO. “Through the Community Investment Fund, tourism dollars are helping preserve our history, improve accessibility, and expand cultural experiences across the peninsula,” he said.

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

  • Southern Door School District received support to modernize the Southern Door Community Auditorium stage infrastructure with a motorized batten system, expanding opportunities for touring productions, educational programming, and cultural events that serve both visitors and residents. Investment amount: $125,000
  • Gibraltar Historical Association received support for the Heritage Harbor Cultural Center, creating a welcoming community and visitor hub that preserves Fish Creek history while expanding access to exhibits, archives, genealogy resources, and cultural programming. Investment amount: $109,000
  • Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands received support toward the restoration of the historic Plum Island boathouse roof and gutters, preserving a highly visible maritime landmark while supporting expanded educational and ecotourism programming on the island. Investment amount: $50,000
  • Town of Egg Harbor received support to construct an accessible paved pathway connecting its new playground, pavilion, parking area, and ball field, improving accessibility and creating new recreational opportunities for visitors and residents alike. Investment amount: $27,852
  • Friends of the Door County Parks System received support to install 500 feet of ADA-­compliant mobility mats at Frank E. Murphy County Park, improving waterfront accessibility and enhancing the visitor experience for major community events and recreational use. Investment amount: $7,000

These five projects join 66 local projects that previously received grant funding, bringing the total impact from DDC’s Community Investment Fund to $3,774,623 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, June 22, 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.

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Media contact: Jon Jarosh, Interim President/CEO, 920.818.1133 or jon@doorcounty.com