Visit Hendricks County Awards $9,250 to Seven Tourism-Related Initiatives

DANVILLE, IN (October 6, 2015) –Seven Hendricks County organizations, including five first-time recipients, were awarded a total of $9,250 in grant money this fall through the Visit Hendricks County’s Tourism Enhancement and Development (TED) Fund.

In its seventh 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 2015 budget for the program’s two cycles in the spring and fall. Seven other initiatives received more than $10,000 this spring bringing this year’s total in grant money up to that $20,000 threshold.

Ten applications were received during the fall cycle requesting more than $16,000. 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 seven projects, which was later approved by the Hendricks County Tourism Commission on Sept. 24.

Agencies that received money during the 2015 fall cycle included:

• Avon-Washington Township Public Library – To market a showcase of Hoosier artists for next year’s state bicentennial celebration, $500.
• Hendricks Regional Health YMCA –To market their upcoming Gobble Gallop event, $750.
• Oasis Diner – To create a new website, $1,000.
• Parks Foundation of Hendricks County – To market a Native Plant Festival and Sale, $500.
• ProMedia, LLC – To market their annual NMCA Muscle Car Nationals event, $2,500.
• Shops at Perry Crossing – To fund print and digital advertising, $1,500.
• Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park – To fund marketing materials including rack cards, a television campaign and direct mail, $2,500.

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 in 2016. For more information about the fund including how to apply for next year, contact Sarah Ferguson by e-mail at Sarah@VisitHendricksCounty.com or by calling (317) 718-8750.