Indiana Dunes Tourism announced the community projects that will receive a slice of $50,000 in grants.
The grants will fund initiatives that promote tourism in Porter County during the 2026 fiscal year.
“These grants are a vital part of Indiana Dunes Tourism's mission to promote our destination and contribute to our communities,” said Christine Livingston, president and CEO at Indiana Dunes Tourism, in a press release. “They are meant to provide local support to enhance visitors' experiences and improve the quality of life for our residents.”
Projects were considered in three categories: community development projects, events and marketing.
The following is a list of recipients by project or event, the organization and grant type:
- Come Together, 219 Taproom, event
- Chesterton Art Center 4th Street Print Fest, Association of Artists and Craftsmen of Porter County, community development project
- Chesterton Trackside Arts and Cultural District, Chesterton Branding and Leadership Corporation, community development project
- Kiwanis Summer Music Fest, Chesterton Duneland Kiwanis Club, event
- Fire and Ice Winter Skating Rink, City of Portage, community development project
- Sand + Steel Museum, City of Portage, community development project
- Hebron Town Block Party, Hebron Chamber of Commerce, event
- Children's Fairy & Nature Festival “Gnomes Day Out,” Izaak Walton League's Porter County Chapter, event
- Kankakee River Access Site, Jasper County Trails Club, community development project
- Leon's Heroes Obstacle Course Race, Leon's Heroes Inc., marketing
- Kite Festival, Porter County Suicide Prevention Task Force, event
- Save the Dunes 5K Dunes Dash, Save the Dunes, event
- DIY Wedding Weekend or Girls with Glue Guns, The Hub NWI Creative Fund, marketing
- MAAC Foundation Community Responder Experience & Public Safety Recognition Wall, The MAAC Foundation, community development project
- Duneland Fiber Fest, Three Moons Fiberworks, event
- EBLCR Canoe/Kayak Launch at Hawthorne Park, Town of Porter Park Department, community development project
- Sand + Steel Art Fest, Valparaiso Creative Council, event
Learn more about the grant application process and eligibility here.
