Indiana Dunes Tourism is offering $50,000 in grants to fund community projects, marketing initiatives and unique events aligning with Indiana Dunes Tourism's mission to attract new and repeat visitors to Porter County by extending their stay through the creation and promotion of attractions, marketing programs and product development initiatives. The deadline for all grant applications is Friday, April 12, at 11:59 pm, with winners being announced on May 1, 2024.
Porter County for-profit, non-profit, and government organizations, including cities and towns, are eligible. Private-sector applications will also be considered if the project or event attracts visitors outside Porter County.
"These grants are a vital part of Indiana Dunes Tourism's mission to promote our destination," says Christine Livingston, President / CEO (Interim) at Indiana Dunes Tourism. "They are meant to provide local support to enhance visitors' experiences and improve quality of life within our communities."
New to 2024, Dustin Ritchea, the Production Director for Indiana Dunes Tourism, will be managing the grant program. "We've worked hard this year to streamline and simplify the grant application process," says Ritchea, "and we're excited to work with new and returning partners to continue to promote this place we call home."
The following types of projects are eligible to apply for the Indiana Dunes Tourism Grant Program. While specific projects may fit into more than one project type, multiple applications for various aspects of a project may not be eligible. Keep in mind that there is a limited amount of funding available for this program and not all requests will be funded:
1. Community Development Projects (maximum request $5,000): Eligible projects include the creation or enhancement of tourism amenities, attractions, facilities and experiences within Porter County that will attract out-of-county visitors and improve the quality of life for residents.
2. Events (maximum request $2,500): Eligible events include Porter County festivals, special events, conventions and sports tournaments that will attract attendees from outside Northwest Indiana. Indiana Dunes Tourism does not award funding for seasonal or holiday events celebrated by most communities (4th of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc.).
3. Marketing (maximum request $2,500): The marketing of events or community development projects is eligible if it targets audiences outside of Porter County.
Organizations interested in participating in the 2024 grant program should apply here: IndianaDunes.com/Grant-Programs.
Indiana Dunes Tourism is the official destination marketing, planning and development organization for the Indiana Dunes area/Porter County, IN. Organizations interested in learning more about Indiana Dunes Tourism and its many opportunities should visit IndianaDunes.com or call 219-926-2255.