PORTER — Indiana Dunes Tourism chose recipients for its annual grant program last night during its monthly board meeting. Over $34,000 in grants were awarded to groups planning to bring visitors into Indiana Dunes Country (Porter County) by building new attractions or by organizing festivals, events, meetings, conventions or sports tournaments during 2018.
Recipients include Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest (formerly the Taltree Arboretum & Gardens), Portage Township YMCA, NWI Food Council, Duneland Learning Center & Duneland Family YMCA, Art Barn School of Art, Greater Portage Chamber of Commerce, Frontline Foundations, Inc., Kankakee Valley Historical Society, Porter County Parks & Recreation Department, Indiana Elite FC, Pastime Tournaments, Northwest Indiana Junior Golf Association, Valparaiso University and the Porter County Sheriff’s Office.
“Our board spent a lot of time vetting the applications we received,” said Lorelei Weimer, the executive director for Indiana Dunes Tourism. “We are very excited with the programs happening in Indiana Dunes Country this year, and we are even more excited to be able to support them, which helps make this area an even more attractive destination for travelers and residents alike.”
The grants can be used for such things as developing and enhancing attractions, as well as advertising, printing and promotional expenses that bring visitors to the area and encourage overnight stays. The funds can also be used to develop brochures, websites and other tools that promote visitation.
The following grants were available for-profit, nonprofit and government entities: product development, $5,000 annually; sports sponsorship, $3,000 annually; marketing, $2,500 (first year), $1,500 (second year) and $1,000 (third year); festivals and events, $2,500 (first year), $1,500 (second year) and $1,000 (third year); and meetings, conventions and seminars, $2,500 (first year), $1,500 (second year) and $1,000 (third year).
Indiana Dunes Tourism is the official destination marketing, planning and development organization for Indiana Dunes Country/Porter County, IN. Organizations interested in learning more about Indiana Dunes Tourism and its many opportunities should visit www.indianadunes.com or call 219-926-2255. Information for the 2019 grant program will be available later this year.
