Photo provided Belmont County Tourism executive director Jackee Pugh, from left, provides Belmont County Victorian Mansion Museum president Wayne Schuerle, and treasurer Lisa Gallagher the non-profit’s 2026 Grant Assistance Program grant.

ST. CLAIRSVILLE – The Belmont County Tourism Council Board of Directors is pleased to announce that nearly $120,000 has been awarded to 45 nonprofit organizations across Belmont County through its 2026 Grant Assistance Program.

The GAP Grant Program is designed to help “fill in the gap” by providing financial support to nonprofit organizations for events, projects, improvements and maintenance of tourist attractions and historic sites that enhance travel and tourism throughout Belmont County. Funding for the GAP Grant Program is made possible through Belmont County lodging tax revenues, which are reinvested into tourism development and promotion throughout the county.

“These grants make a meaningful difference in our communities,” Belmont County Tourism Executive Director Jackee Pugh said. “Many of the recipients rely on this funding to continue offering the events and experiences that bring people together and draw visitors to Belmont County. We are incredibly grateful to be able to support so many organizations that help showcase the best of our region.”

She added that this award season is one of her favorite times of the year because the council is able to help local nonprofits with financial support so they can get geared up for the event season. Pugh said it also helps local organizations make improvements to some of the county’s tourist attractions, museums and historic sites.

“It’s really an exciting time to kind of gear up for the travel and tourism season, which is summer and fall here in Belmont County,” Pugh said. “It also allows us to find out about the exciting things they have going on all throughout the county, so we can do a better job promoting and getting more people to come and visit.”

She added that with this year being the country’s 250th anniversary as well as Belmont County’s 225th anniversary, a big part of this year’s GAP Grant was helping local nonprofits celebrate the historic year.

“This year’s grant awards come at an especially exciting time, as Belmont County prepares to celebrate two historic milestones — America’s 250th anniversary and Belmont County’s 225th anniversary in 2026. Communities across the county are planning a wide variety of events, festivals and commemorative experiences that highlight the area’s rich heritage, vibrant traditions and strong sense of community,” Pugh said. “I just want to stress what an amazing year this is for Belmont County. It feels like a lot of the events that will be happening this year really tie in to that history and heritage and sense of pride that people have in their community. It’s an exciting time, and we’re really looking forward to all of the things happening in 2026.”

Arc of Ohio, Barkcamp Race, Barnesville Area Chamber of Commerce, Barnesville B&O Depot, Barnesville Pumpkin Festival, Barnesville State Theatre Company, Barton Volunteer Fire Department, Beast of the East, Bellaire High School Alumni Association, Bellaire Public Library, Belmont County Agricultural Society, Belmont County District Library, Belmont County Historical Society, Belmont County Regional Airport Authority, Belmont County Soil & Water Conservation, Belmont County Victorian Mansion Museum, Captina Conservancy, Epworth Park Cottage Owners Association, Epworth Park Foundation, Flushing Revitalization & Business Corp., Friends of Willow Grove Memorial, Great Stone Viaduct, Holloway Old Timers Baseball Association, Martins Ferry Area Historical Society, Martins Ferry Lions Club, Martins Ferry Volunteer Fire Department, Morristown Historical Preservation Association, National Imperial Glass Collectors Society, National Trail #348 International Questers, Ohio Valley Farmers Market, Project Forward, Shadyside Area Chamber of Commerce, Shadyside Loop Festival, Sons of Italy Lodge #754, St. Clairsville Area Chamber of Commerce, St. Clairsville Parks and Recreation, St. Clairsville Public Library, St. Clairsville Sunrise Rotary Club, St. Clairsville Union Cemetery, Tri-State Military Veterans Museum, Underground Railroad Museum, Village of Barnesville, Village of Shadyside, Watt Center for History & the Arts and Zion Retreat & RV Park were all recipients of the 2026 GAP Grant.

Pugh said the grant application window begins in January and awards are distributed at the end of March.

“The upcoming year will be truly special for Belmont County,” Pugh added. “These grants will help bring those celebrations to life, creating memorable experiences for both residents and visitors while honoring the history and stories that define our region.”