Indiana Dunes Tourism awards $49,411.85 in grants to local NWI organizations

PORTER, Ind.—Each year, Indiana Dunes Tourism (IDT) awards funds through its Indiana Dunes Tourism Grant Program to local Porter County businesses and organizations committed to bringing in visitors from outside of Northwest Indiana. This year, IDT awarded $49,411.85 to fund community projects, marketing initiatives and unique events aligning with Indiana Dunes Tourism's mission. These attract new and repeat visitors to Porter County by extending their stay through the creation and promotion of attractions, marketing programs and product development initiatives.

Indiana Dunes Tourism's 2024 grant recipients are 219 Taproom, Chesterton Branding and Leadership Corporation, Dig the Dunes LLC, Duneland Bike-n-Bar LLC, Ewalt Jahnz Porter County Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #165 Inc., Humane Indiana, Indiana Audubon Society, Izaak Walton League of America's Porter County Chapter, Le Tour de Shore LLC, Leons Heroes, Northwest Indiana Junior Golf Association, Northwest Indiana Paddling Association, Portage Parks, Porter County Aging and Community Services and The Market on 12.

“Every year, we are thrilled to see our community organizations stepping up to improve the Indiana Dunes area,” said Dustin Ritchea, the Production Director and Grant Administrator for Indiana Dunes Tourism. “These grants allow us to offer support that may not be available anywhere else, and we’ve worked hard this year to streamline and simplify the entire process."

"These grants are a vital part of Indiana Dunes Tourism's mission to promote our destination," says Christine Livingston, the President / CEO of Indiana Dunes Tourism. "They are meant to provide local support to enhance visitors' experiences and improve quality of life within our communities."

The following types of projects were able to apply for the program, and Porter County for-profit, non-profit and government organizations, including cities and towns, were eligible: 

1. Community Development Projects (maximum request $5,000): Eligible projects included the creation or enhancement of tourism amenities, attractions, facilities and experiences within Porter County that would attract out-of-county visitors and improve the quality of life for residents.

2. Events (maximum request $2,500): Eligible events included Porter County festivals, special events, conventions and sports tournaments that would attract 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 was eligible if it targeted audiences outside of Porter County. 

“This is what tourism is about,” said Scott Tuft, an Indiana Dunes Tourism board member serving on the grant committee, “it’s about improving this place we call home. Our job is to help visitors appreciate our destination and to help locals understand the value of what tourism can do for them, their businesses and their communities.” 

Indiana Dunes Tourism is the official destination marketing, planning and development organization for the Indiana Dunes area/Porter County, IN. Organizations interested in learning more about Indiana Dunes Tourism and its many opportunities should visit IndianaDunes.com/Grant-Programs or call 219-926-2255. Information about the 2025 grant program will be available in the fall of 2024.