Indiana Dunes Tourism is offering $50,000 in grants to fund community projects, marketing initiatives and unique events that attract visitors to Porter County.
The organization announced the grant application process opened Monday, and the deadline for submission is 11:59 p.m. Dec. 1, with recipients announced on Jan. 5. Grants are for projects and events running from January 2026 to December 2026.
Porter County for-profit, non-profit and government organizations, including cities and towns, are eligible. Private-sector applications will also be considered if the project or event attracts visitors from outside Porter County.
"These grants are a vital part of Indiana Dunes Tourism's mission to promote our destination and contribute to our communities," says Christine Livingston, President / CEO at Indiana Dunes Tourism. "They are meant to provide local support to enhance visitors' experiences and improve the quality of life for our residents."
"In the future, we plan to open the grant applications every October so our partners have access to the grant dollars for the entire fiscal year," says Dustin Ritchea, the Communications and Creative Director for Indiana Dunes Tourism, who administers the grant program. "We continue to streamline and simplify the grant application process, and we're excited to work with new and returning partners to promote this place we call home."
The following types of projects are eligible to apply for the competitive Indiana Dunes Tourism Grant Program.
1. Community Development Projects (maximum request $5,000): Eligible projects include the creation or enhancement of tourism amenities, attractions, facilities and experiences within Porter County that will attract out-of-county visitors and improve the quality of life for residents.
2. Events (maximum request $2,500): Eligible events include Porter County festivals, special events, conventions and sports tournaments attracting attendees from outside Northwest Indiana. Indiana Dunes Tourism does not award funding for seasonal or holiday events celebrated by most communities (4th of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc.).
3. Marketing (maximum request $2,500): The marketing of events or community development projects is eligible if it targets audiences outside of Porter County.
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