Visit Hendricks County Awards $10,000 in Grants to Local Tourism Efforts

DANVILLE, IN (April 6, 2016) –Ten Hendricks County organizations, including five first-time recipients, were awarded $10,000 in grant money this spring through the Visit Hendricks County’s Tourism Enhancement and Development Fund.

In its eighth year, the fund is used to promote events, enhance marketing efforts and cover other costs that improve visitor attractions and encourage tourism within Hendricks County.

Visit Hendricks County allotted $20,000 of its 2016 budget for the program’s two cycles in the spring and fall. Fifteen applications were received during the spring cycle requesting more than $24,000. All proposals were reviewed by an independent grant selection committee consisting of Hendricks County Tourism Commission members, representatives from the Hendricks County lodging community, Visit Hendricks County staff members, local tourism experts and representatives from local businesses.

That committee recommended funding ten projects totaling $10,000, which was approved by the Hendricks County Tourism Commission on March 17.

Agencies that received money during the 2016 spring cycle included:

• Avon Chamber of Commerce – To promote its annual Hendricks County Rib-Fest, $1,339.50.
• Family Promise of Hendricks County –To assist in the promotion and expansion of its Duathlon and Family Fun event, $500.
• Fleece Performance Engineering – To advertise its Diesel Performance event, $500.
• Friends of the Historical Museum – To create promotional brochures for the museum to reach locals as well as visitors outside the county, $250.
• Hoosier Athletic Center – To promote the facility for adult and youth sporting events, $1,585.
• Indy ‘G’ Walkers – To promote its upcoming conference to a wider audience, $900.
• Lucas Oil Raceway – To produce rack cards, a poster and direct mail postcard for the Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals and other 2016 events, $1,339.50.
• Oasis Diner – To create a brochure that correlates with the diner’s new website that includes history, location, coupons and contact information, $336.
• Plainfield-Guilford Township Public Library – To advertise the Frank Warren Mental Health talk, book signing and PostSecret Art Gallery reception, $1,250.
• Truckshow.org DBA Slamology – To help with marketing, social media and appearance fees for “Mad Mike” Mike Martin, $2,000.

The TED Fund program offers 1:1 matching funds for successful application requests between $501 and $2,500 per project as well as a non-matching grant for requests of $500 or less. Tourism-related businesses including not-for-profits, civic organizations, retail development groups and collaborations are encouraged to apply for funding through this program. Only businesses, entities, and events located in Hendricks County are eligible.

Visit Hendricks County will again award grant funds during the 2016 fall cycle, which opens July 1. The deadline for applications for the fall cycle will be Aug. 26.

For more information about the fund or to find out if a potential project is eligible, contact Ferguson by e-mail at Sarah@VisitHendricksCounty.com or by calling (317) 718-8750.