Known as the “Crossroads of America” and the Hoosier State, Indiana is a Midwest state that offers visitors a chance to visit rural destinations or enjoy romantic getaways, casinos, family activities and sports and recreation. Tourism plays an important role in the Hoosier State as Indiana is home to more than 60 convention and visitor bureaus. According to a tourism study on the Ball State University website that examined economic data from 2001 through 2007, every dollar spent on enhancing tourism in Indiana results in approximately $15 in added tax revenues to the state. Agencies can take advantage of the grants that exist to promote tourism in Indiana.
The Lafayette--West Lafayette Convention and Visitors Bureau provides grants for non-profit agencies to promote tourism in Tippecanoe County, located in a corridor along the Wabash River. Grants are awarded for projects that add new businesses or create local events, festivals or sporting activities. The funding is designated for marketing the programs to out-of-town communities, and can include advertising campaigns and website development. Priority is given to applicants who seek funding for events held in November through March or that take place Sundays through Thursdays. An applicant may only request funds that are less than half of the total cost of the project. Grant decisions are made by the board of the Lafayette--West Lafayette Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Lafayette--West Lafayette Convention and Visitors Bureau
301 Frontage Road
Lafayette, IN 47905
765-447-9999
homeofpurdue.com/grants
The Bloomington/Monroe County Convention and Visitors Bureau awards grants to support local festivals and events. As of 2010, funds up to $5,000 may be awarded to a single agency for marketing a Monroe County event. Grant guidelines require that funds be used for marketing the event outside of the Bloomington community. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to draw out-of-town visitors from a 50-mile radius of Monroe County. Priority is also given to candidates who exhibit the ability to draw overnight guests and whose events have the potential to grow over a two-year period or more.
Bloomington/Monroe County Convention and Visitors Bureau
2855 North Walnut St.
Bloomington, IN 47404
812-355-7725
visitbloomington.com
Indiana benefits from agri-tourism grants from Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education. A national agency, Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education promotes outreach programs to ranchers, farmers and educators to initiate innovations to enhance farmlands and invigorate communities. Agri-tourism draws visitors through practices including field days and overnight stays. Since 1988, the Hoosier State has received more than $1.5 million in funds for agri-tourism, according to the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education website.
Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education
1400 Independence Ave. SW
Washington, D.C. 20250
202-720-5384
sare.org
