Indiana Dunes Tourism, the Porter County government tourism office, is encouraging cities, towns and non-profit organizations to apply for tax-funded grants to do marketing projects or help promote their festivals and events, sporting competitions and conferences during 2013.

The goal of the grant program is to foster and fund events, activities and programs that promote the development and growth of tourism in Porter County.

“The grants we award are designed to bring visitors from outside the county and have them spend their money locally,” said Indiana Dunes Tourism Operations Director Patti Boyer.

“The grant program has helped existing festivals and events grow and succeed, and it has helped launch new events. Although the goal is to encourage visitors to come to Porter County, local residents benefit because more money is brought into the county and because residents get more festivals and events to enjoy. The grant program increases the quality of life here.”

In 2012, Indiana Dunes Tourism will award more than 20 grants totaling more than $40,000. The 2012 grant recipients include the City of Valparaiso (to help pay for a statue of Orville Redenbacher), Bark in the Park/Taste of Duneland in Chesterton, the Hebron Block Party/Winterfest, and the National Softball Association in Valparaiso and Portage.

The grants can be used for such things as advertising, printing and promotional expenses that bring visitors to Porter County and encourage overnight stays. The funds can also be used by municipalities and non-profit organizations to develop brochures, websites and other tools that encourage visitation.

There are four different grant categories: festival and special event grants; sporting event grants; marketing grants; and convention, meeting and seminar grants. Organizations may receive a 50 percent match from Indiana Dunes Tourism with maximum amounts up to $3,000 for the first year, $2,500 for the second year and $1,500 for the third year.

Organizations interested in being a part of the 2013 Tourism Promotion Grant Program should visit www.indianadunes.com/about-indiana-dunes/grants/ and download a copy of the grant application. Applications may also be picked up at Indiana Dunes Tourism, 1215 N. State Road 49, Porter, IN 46304. For more information, call Boyer at (219) 926-2255, ext. 225.

Applications for 2013 grants must be completed and submitted by mail, fax, e-mail, or in person to Boyer by 4 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 14, 2012