Indiana Dunes Tourism Launches $50,000 Grant Program to Fund Community Projects

Indiana Dunes Tourism Launches $50,000 Grant Program to Fund Community Projects, Marketing Initiatives and Unique Events

PORTER, Ind.—Indiana Dunes Tourism is offering $50,000 in grants to fund community projects, marketing initiatives and unique events that attract visitors to Porter County. The grant program aligns with the organization's mission to attract new and repeat visitors to Porter County by enhancing their stay through the promotion of attractions, marketing efforts and new product development. The grant application process opened on Friday, November 1, and the deadline for submission is Sunday, December 1, at 11:59 pm, with recipients being announced on December 16, 2024. Grants are for fiscal year 2025 for projects running from January to December.

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 from outside Porter County.

"These grants are a vital part of Indiana Dunes Tourism's mission to promote our destination and contribute to our communities," says Christine Livingston, President / CEO at Indiana Dunes Tourism. "They are meant to provide local support to enhance visitors' experiences and improve the quality of life for our residents."

"We plan to open the grant applications every November so our partners have access to the grant dollars for the entire fiscal year," says Dustin Ritchea, the Communications and Creative Director for Indiana Dunes Tourism, who administers the grant program. "We continue to streamline and simplify the grant application process, and we're excited to work with new and returning partners 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. 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 attracting 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 2025 grant program should apply at IndianaDunes.com/Grant-Programs.

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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.