Indiana Dunes Country Grant FAQs

What is the Tourism Promotion Grant?

The Tourism Promotion Grant program is a competitive matching grant program that promotes the development and growth of tourism in Porter County by fostering and funding marketing efforts of festivals, projects, special events, sporting events and programs.

Who is eligible to apply for a Tourism Promotion Grant?

Indiana Dunes Tourism intends the grant program be used by Porter County not-for-profit organizations, cities and towns, to bring in new business, to develop local events, festivals, and sporting events, and to encourage visitation from outside the county.

What kinds of expenses does the grant cover?

The Tourism Promotion Grant covers expenses incurred in order to bring visitors from outside the tri-county area to Porter County. They include event advertising, printing and promotion, the development of promotional tools such as brochures, websites, billboards, etc and fees for nationally recognized entertainment.

Is there anything that the grant does NOT cover?

Grant funds cannot be used for: • Marketing efforts within Porter County, unless the promotional campaign is directed to the residents to encourage visitation from their friends and relatives outside of Porter County; • Annual operating expenditures of the event, festival or sporting event; • Salaries, wages or employee benefits; • Prize money, scholarships, awards, plaques, t-shirts, certificates, buttons or newsletters; • In-kind contributions; • Events or attractions which are restricted to private or exclusive participation.

When are grant applications due?

The applications for the 2011 program were due Friday, September 24, 2010 and will be voted upon by the Board of Directors on Tuesday, November 16, 2010. Applications for future events are typically due the end of September. Please check back for more information.

What changes have been made in the 2011 Tourism Promotion Grant program?

Any non-profit organization that has an event/project with a tourism component may apply for funding for three consecutive years. In the first year, organizations may request up to $3,000 in matching grant funds; in the second year, it may request up to $2,500; and in the third year, it may request up to $1,500. Also, reimbursement materials submitted after the 60-day timeframe are subject to a $500 forfeiture.

How will my organization know if it has been awarded any money?

The contact name provided will be contacted as soon as possible through e-mail, letter or telephone of the outcome of the Grant Committee's decision on your application.

What will my organization be required to do for the grant money?

Indiana Dunes Tourism has a grant logo and verbiage it requires to be placed on all promotional/marketing materials created for the event/project receiving any of its funding. The logo is provided in a downloadable format off of this website for your convenience. Also, you will be required to submit an income/expense sheet, copies of invoices with the corresponding checks or receipts marked with check numbers, and a post-event evaluation form.

How many applications may an organization submit?

Indiana Dunes Tourism grants only one award per event. However, if your organization puts on more than one event, each event would be eligible, provided that they are not related to one another.

When can my organization expect reimbursement for its expenses?

The materials required must be submitted to the Assistant Director within 60 days of the closing of the event/completion of the project or by December 1, 2011, whichever date comes first. The materials will be reviewed by the Assistant Director and a check will be issued within 60 days of receipt of the qualifying materials provided there are no missing materials. Materials not submitted within the 60-day timeframe are subject to a $500 penalty.

Photograph Copyright: Christine Livingston