DANVILLE, IN (January 26, 2016) – Visit Hendricks County has opened the spring cycle of its Tourism Enhancement Development (TED) Fund for 2016. This fund, which returns for an eighth consecutive year, has promoted and sustained the county as a tourism destination by awarding hundreds of thousands of dollars to various organizations and causes.
Last year alone, the TED Fund awarded $20,000 to 14 projects including marketing dollars for the new Avon Balloon Glow event, funding for a rebranding plan of the former Metropolis Mall that lead to The Shops at Perry Crossing and supporting the town of Coatesville’s development of an advertising campaign to promote its downtown businesses.
The TED Fund has truly impacted tourism in Hendricks County over the past seven years by helping local visitor attractions improve their websites, by providing money for advertising, promotions and even studies such as the Town of Plainfield’s feasibility of moving the Oasis Diner and by launching successful events including the Mud Soap Run, Hendricks County Half Marathon and Indiana Short Film Festival, among others.
Visit Hendricks County will also bring back a component added last year that does not require matching dollars for requests up to $500. Requests from $501 to $2,500 would still necessitate matching funds.
“Four organizations that may not otherwise have been able to receive funding took advantage of that change last year,” said Sarah Ferguson, Visit Hendricks County’s Director of Marketing. “We don’t want to leave anyone out, and we believe that small change proved to be beneficial as some organizations have great ideas but just need a little seed money to turn it into something that will entice visitors here.”
The spring cycle, which just opened, supports projects that fall between summer of 2016 and spring of 2017. Deadline to apply is 5 p.m. Feb. 26. Applications for the fall cycle will be accepted from July 1 to Aug. 26.
Visit Hendricks County has again budgeted $20,000 this year to be divvied up between both cycles. Tourism businesses, not-for-profits, civic organizations and retail development groups are encouraged to apply for funding through this program. Only businesses, events and entities located in Hendricks County are eligible.
Worthy projects should initiate, enhance, develop and promote tourism in Hendricks County. Special projects such as research and development with potential for long-term benefits will be considered. Projects involving capital investment, operating costs, fireworks displays, food and drink or staff salaries aren’t eligible.
Qualifying projects and events should have a direct impact on the county by attracting out-of-county visitors, increasing visitation and bringing in new money. High consideration will be given to applicants requesting funding for projects that will either generate a new overnight stay or extend the stay in a Hendricks County overnight accommodation property.
Applications and information sheets regarding the TED Fund are available by stopping by the Visit Hendricks County office, 8 W. Main St., Danville, or going online to www.VisitHendricksCounty.com and clicking on Grants under the About Us menu tab. For more information on the program, contact Ferguson by phone (317) 718-8750 or e-mail Sarah@VisitHendricksCounty.com.
