Hendricks County Tourism Grant Funds Announced

Hendricks County Fairgrounds. AroundIndy.com staff photo, (c) 2011, all rights reserved.

By Josh Duke
Hendricks County Convention & Visitors Bureau
http://TourHendricksCounty.com/

Tourism was a $192 million industry in Hendricks County in 2011 with all arrows pointing up in terms of its long-range future. To keep that momentum headed in the right direction, the Hendricks County Convention and Visitors Bureau will once again provide seed money to its Hendricks County partners looking to promote tourism.

Hendricks County businesses, organizations and even individuals with a good idea that promotes and augments tourism can apply now for the Hendricks County CVB’s Tourism Enhancement and Development Fund.

After awarding nearly $17,000 this spring to help its partners advertise various community festivals and programs, develop a public art project and enhance a website, the Hendricks County CVB has another $15,000 to allocate this fall to worthy tourism-based projects.

“This is a great way for individuals and organizations in the county to receive funding to help improve the promotion of an event, attraction, special project or business,” said Sarah McMillen, tourism marketing manager for the HCCVB. “We encourage them to reach out to us and see if they are a fit for the program.”

Not-for-profits, civic organizations, retail development groups and tourism businesses are encouraged to apply for funding through this program. Only businesses and entities located in Hendricks County are eligible for funding. Funds can be expended to initiate, enhance, develop and promote tourism in Hendricks County through advertising (print, online and radio), promotions and publicity. Special projects such as research and development with potential of long-term benefits will also be considered.

Qualifying projects and events should be designed to have a direct impact on the county by attracting out-of-county visitors, increasing visitation and bringing new money into the community.

The fall cycle’s application deadline is 5 p.m. Sept. 28 at the HCCVB offices in Danville. The money will be best utilized for projects planned from the winter of 2012 through the fall of 2013. Applicants can apply for a 1:1 match with the HCCVB contributing a maximum of $2,500 a project.

The HCCVB will hold a grant information session next month for entities interested in applying for funding. Applicants are strongly encouraged to attend the workshop offered to review the process and assist with developing the entity’s grant application. That information session will be held at 4 p.m. Sept. 5 at the HCCVB office, 8 W. Main St., Danville. Reservations are requested to attend the session, as space is limited. Call (317) 718-8750 to make a reservation.

Applications and information sheets regarding the TED Fund are available now at the HCCVB offices and online in the Press Room at http://www.TourHendricksCounty.com. For more information on the program, contact McMillen by phone (317) 718-8750 or e-mail Sarah@TourHendricksCounty.com.