Award recipients pose for a photo with the Plover Tourism Board on May 1. (Metro Wire photo)

Plover CVB awards more than $80K in grants

May 2, 2024

By Brandi Makuski

The Plover Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (PACVB) has announced the recipients of its newly launched Go for It Grant Program, awarding more than $80,000 to enhance the local community and visitor experiences.

A check presentation ceremony was held on May 1 at the Plover Municipal Center to honor the inaugural recipients.

The grant program, which began in January, received seven proposals in the first round of considerations.

“We were pleased to receive several strong proposals in the initial grant cycle,” said PACVB Executive Director Malorie Paine. “Ultimately, the Board wants to ensure that any proposal awarded enhances both the resident and visitor experience, and we believe the projects and events awarded will do that well.”

PACVB Board Chair Chris Brooks commended the recipients, as each project funded promises to enrich visitor experiences, empower the local community, and drive sustainable growth in the tourism sector.

“We commend their dedication and look forward to supporting these endeavors,” he said.

The recipients of the Go for It Grant Program are as follows:

Plover Whiting Youth Athletics received $25,000 for two years for a total of $50,000 for improvements at Woyak Park.
Point Area Single Track Association received $15,000 for trail enhancements at Standing Rocks County Park.
Portage County Historical Society received $8,000 to assist in growth efforts of Heritage Days Heritage and Music Festival.
Food + Farm Exploration Center received $6,495 for the development of a sidewalk connecting the Center with Lake Pacawa Park.
Purple Basil received $2,500 for the development of a patio at the Purple Basil Terrace location.
Mission Coffee House received $1,000 for marketing of new entertainment events to be held regularly.

The Plover Area CVB has received additional proposals since the first round of considerations, and the Board will consider proposals until all funds have been allocated for 2024. The Board is committed to continuing the Go for It Grant program indefinitely, Paine said.

“The Go for It Grant Program is a significant investment, and we look forward to considering additional proposals throughout the year,” Brooks said. “The Board encourages projects that align with the grant requirements to apply for funding.”