Chesterton Tribune

 

 

Apply now for tax funded tourism grants

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Indiana Dunes Tourism is offering grant money to people and groups who plan to bring visitors into the county by building new attractions or by organizing festivals, events, business meetings and sports tournaments during 2015.

A total of $50,000 is available to be awarded in 2015. Indiana Dunes Tourism, the official tourism bureau of Porter County, is specifically looking to fund things that will bring visitors from outside of the Lake/Porter/LaPorte county area, fill hotel rooms and have a positive economic impact on local businesses and attractions.

For the first time, grants are available to for-profit entities. In past years, grants could only be awarded to nonprofit organizations. All grant recipients are required to match the awarded amount dollar for dollar.

The grants can be used for such things as development of new attractions, and advertising, printing and promotional expenses that bring visitors to Porter County and encourage overnight stays. The funds can also be used to develop brochures, websites and other tools that encourage visitation.

The following grants are available: product development, $5,000 annually; sponsorship, $3,000 annually; and marketing, festivals, events, meetings and seminars, $2,500 for the first year, $1,500 for the second year and $1,000 for the third year.

Organizations interested in being a part of the 2015 grant program should contact Boyer at patti@indianadunes.com or 219-926-2255, ext. 225. Applications for 2015 grants must be completed and returned by mail, e-mail, fax or in person to Boyer by 4 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 17, 2014.

In 2014, Indiana Dunes Tourism awarded grants to Lutheran Basketball Association for a basketball tournament in Valparaiso, Taltree Arboretum & Gardens for a GLOW: Art After Dark Festival, Lorie’s Lakeside Century bicycle race, and others.

Grants are funded by the tax collected on hotel room rentals in the county.

 

Posted 9/17/2014

 
 

 

 

 

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