New Grant Program Hopes to Increase Accessibility in Door County
July 31, 2024. Destination Door County (DDC) is excited to announce the launch of a new Accessibility Mini-Grant Program. Awards up to $1,000 are available to any Door County business, non-profit organization, or government entity increasing accessibility to the public.
Online applications will be accepted beginning at 8 AM on Thursday, August 1 and will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis, assuming all eligibility requirements are met.
Julie Gilbert, DDC’s President/CEO, said the program is a start of the Door County Destination Stewardship Plan’s strategic goal of improving destination infrastructure initiatives. "Accessibility is pivotal in ensuring that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can fully participate and thrive in our community.”
Some of the eligible activities the grant dollar could be used for, but not limited to, are accessibility audits, audio description of materials, ASL interpreters, adult changing tables, captioning, sensory or tactile experiences, automatic door openers, ramps, grab bars, or lifts, mobi mats, or track chairs.
This Accessibility Mini-Grant Program is part of DDC's broader Care for Door County program efforts, which began in 2021. Care for Door County focuses on cultural, quality-of-life, and eco-focused initiatives to help protect and care for the county everyone loves and is also part of DDC’s enhanced tourism management efforts.
“This program is a need in the community not just for our visitors, but our residents,” said Amanda Stuck, DDC’s Community Engagement Manager who is facilitating the program. “We are excited to work with the community to take small steps to improve accessibility that will lead to larger scale projects and discussions to ensure everyone is able to truly experience the wonders of Door County.”
The application will be open throughout 2024 or until program funds are depleted. New funds will begin in 2025.
Additional program details and an online application can be found at https://www.doorcounty.com/accessibility-grant-application. Specific questions can be directed to Amanda Stuck at amanda@doorcounty.com.
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Media Contact: Amanda Stuck, Community Engagement Manager, 920.818.1132 or amanda@doorcounty.com
