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Community Investment Fund

Investing In Our Future

Destination Door County's Community Investment Fund utilizes dollars generated by overnight visitors to Door County and reinvests some of those dollars into local projects that enhance the lives of residents as well as improve the destination experience for visitors. Grant opportunities are available to all local Door County units of government as well as Door County based 501(c)(3) public charities and 501(c)(6) organizations. Destination Door County has partnered with the Door County Community Foundation to administer this program. For More information and application materials, go to CommunityInvestmentFund.org.

Destination Door County launched the Community Investment Fund in 2023. Each grant that has been awarded is listed below, along with a link to the press release for each corresponding grant round.

Round 6 Grant Recipients- August 2024

  • Kolberg Athletic Club received support to build accessible bathrooms and concessions with running water, providing greater offerings and accommodations for baseball games, sports camps, and community events. Investment amount: $100,00
  • Village of Ephraim received support towards the creation of a pedestrian trail in North Ephraim, creating a safer route for foot traffic within the village and between neighboring communities. Investment amount: $50,000
  • Door County Historical Society received support to help reconstruct the barn and summer kitchen at Eagle Bluff Lighthouse to enhance historical accuracy and visitor engagement at the iconic site. Investment amount: $50,000
  • Door County YMCA received support towards the purchase and installation of a new swim meet timing system and displays for the Sturgeon Bay YMCA aquatic center, increasing opportunities to host more swim meets that bring in swimmers from throughout Wisconsin. Investment amount: $50,000
  • Belgian Heritage Center received support to create outdoor campus exhibits that will help visitors learn about the history, buildings, and cemetery found at the site. Investment amount: $6,190 (this project also received an additional $4,450 from other Funds at the Door County Community Foundation)

August 8th, 2024 press release announcing round 6 grant recipients.

Round 5 Grant Recipients- May 2024

  • The County of Door received support for an open-air park pavilion at John Miles County Park that will provide space for music performances, community gatherings, and other large events rain or shine. Investment amount: $92,850 
  • The Sturgeon Bay School District received support for the installation of a new ADA accessible playground with serenity areas at Sunrise School, expanding access to free recreational play for visitors, residents, and school children with all physical abilities and neurodiversity. Investment amount: $80,000 
  • The Friends of Potawatomi State Park received support for the installation of an accessible kayak launch that will allow visitors and residents to enjoy Door County from the water regardless of age or physical ability. Investment amount: $22,500 
  • The Baileys Harbor Björklunden campus of Lawrence University received support to help create a safer and more inviting visitor experience by installing improved parking lot lighting around the main lodge. Investment amount: $6,950

May 10th, 2024 press release announcing round 5 grant recipients.

Round 4 Grant Recipients - February 2024

  • Friends of Peninsula State Park will create 8-10 miles of mountain bike trails that will include a beginner level loop, an intermediate level loop, and advanced gravity runs. Amount: $150,000 
  • City of Sturgeon Bay for construction of a pedestrian/bicycle trail that will provide a safe route from the Ahnapee State Trail to the opposite side of Highway 57/42 under the Bayview Bridge. Investment amount: $100,000 
  • County of Door for installation of illuminated beach water quality signs that will provide timely information on harmful pathogenic bacterium levels to improve the health of residents and visitors at 5 Door County beaches. Investment amount: $56,035 
  • Sturgeon Bay Historical Society Foundation for construction of a walkway that will connect public restrooms and water filling stations at the Door County Granary to the West Waterfront Promenade, and to help complete finishing touches in and around the historic structure. Investment amount: $30,000 

  • Door County Bookmobile, Inc. to help bring the iconic vehicle and its community programming back to life. Investment amount: $25,000 

  • Greater Escarpment Organization of Door County for the development of an accessible, interpretive park that will educate residents and visitors about the Niagara Escarpment and identify escarpment sites throughout Door County. Investment amount: $15,000 

February 13, 2024 press release announcing round 4 grant recipients.

Round 3 Grant Recipients - November 2023

  • Town of Sevastopol for the creation of a new restroom facility that is ADA compliant, and includes men’s, women’s, and family bathrooms. Investment amount: $70,000 
  • Town of Jacksonport to refurbish the Lakeside Park pavilions, which will include electrical and plumbing. Investment amount: $61,421 
  • Village of Sister Bay towards the purchase of a shuttle bus that will provide public transportation to residents, J1 workers, and visitors. Investment amount: $48,489 
  • City of Sturgeon Bay to purchase floating docks for the Sawyer Park boat ramp, creating greater safety and accessibility for boaters launching at this site. Investment amount: $40,000 
  • Door Shakespeare was awarded $18,756 to purchase a 6-seat electric cart with trailer to transport individuals with mobility concerns. Additionally, Björklunden will use the cart to provide accessibility to guided, narrated trail tours. Investment amount: $18,756 
  • Peninsula School of Art to increase public access to main points of entry on their campus. Investment amount: $15,000 

November 13, 2023 press release announcing round 3 grant recipients.

Round 2 Grant Recipients - August 2023

  • Town of Gibraltar toward the acquisition of the Redmann property for the Fish Creek Park Expansion and extension of the Bayshore Connectivity Trail. Investment amount: $100,000
  • City of Sturgeon Bay for improvements to the Sunset Park Pavilion and public restrooms. Investment amount: $50,000 
  • Sister Bay Historical Society for the repurposing of the 104-year-old Little Sister Barn at the Corner of the Past Museum property. Investment amount: $50,000 
  • Door County Maritime Museum for dry-docking and repairs of the historic vessel and in-water museum John Purves. Investment amount: $50,000 

August 11, 2023 press release announcing round 2 grant recipients.

Round 1 Grant Recipients - May 2023

  • Village of Sister Bay for a Multi-Jurisdictional Trail. Investment amount: $90,000
  • Door County Land Trust for the Trail Bridge at Bay Shore Blufflands Nature Preserve. Investment amount: $75,000 
  • City of Sturgeon Bay for an Aquatic Weed Harvester. Investment amount: $45,551 
  • County of Door for an ADA and Intergenerational Playground at John Miles County Park. Investment amount: $44,000 
  • Door Community Auditorium for a Blues, Roots & Jazz Festival. Investment amount: $40,000 
  • Town of Gibraltar for Phase II Fish Creek Beach Playground. Investment amount: $15,700 
  • Door County Historical Society for the Eagle Bluff Lighthouse Restoration. Investment amount: $10,000 
  • Northeastern WI Antique Power Association for a Historic Replica Valmy Service Station. Investment amount: $5,000 

May 15, 2023, press release announcing round 1 grant recipients.

Application deadlines for upcoming grant rounds can be found at CommunityInvestmentFund.org