MARTINSVILLE – Information and application materials are now available for the 2018 cycle of Visit Morgan County’s three grant programs. The county’s tourism office oversees three separate grant programs to support the local tourism industry and help reinvest in the local community. The Festival and Event Grant and Cooperative Marketing Grant Programs come directly out of the non-profit organization’s annual budget. The third program, the Tourism Enhancement and Development (TED) Fund Program is administered through Visit Morgan County but is a program of the Morgan County Convention, Visitors and Tourism Commission, the government-appointed body that oversees Visit Morgan County.
All visitor related businesses, as well as local festivals and events that meet the program criteria are encouraged to apply for grant funds. Visit Morgan County is committed to helping area attractions, eateries and events grow and attract new visitors, thereby growing the local economy as well.
Visit Morgan County executive director, Tosha Daugherty says “A good portion of our visitors are enjoying area restaurants, recreation opportunities and events as part of their visit. Improving the visitor experience in Morgan County will lead to additional return visitation, so anything we can do to help support and grow those kinds of local initiatives, and help raise awareness about them, is something we are very excited about.”
Details about each grant program are listed below, and additional information as well as application materials can be found online at www.visitmorgancountyin.com/grants/. Those with additional questions are invited to visit the Visitors Center inside The Main Connection at 460 South Main Street in Martinsville, email info@visitmorgancountyin.com or call the office at 765-346-5611.
Festival and Event Grant Program
Open to festivals and events taking place within Morgan County between April 1, 2018 and March 31, 2019. Events must be open to the general public and cannot be political in nature. Applicants can request up to $1,000 per event and awards are given based on a set scoring system detailed in the application materials. A total of $5,000 is allocated for this program for this budget cycle.
Cooperative Marketing Grant Program
Open to visitor focused businesses such as attractions, restaurants and retails shops with visitor appeal. The Cooperative Marketing Match Program allows these businesses to apply for up to 50% reimbursement of certain qualifying marketing expenses. Maximum award per business per year is $500 total. A total of $3000 is allocated to this program for this budget cycle.
Tourism Enhancement & Development (TED) Fund Program
Open to local municipalities, organizations and businesses who have an idea or project in mind that will enhance the local visitor experience or develop a new visitor experience in Morgan County. Awards are decided by the Morgan County Convention, Visitor and Tourism Commission. Applications are welcome at any time. Maximum award per project is $5,000. Past recipients include public art projects, programming, parks and recreation projects and more.
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Visit Morgan County promotes all of Morgan County as a travel destination in order to
grow the economic impact of the tourism industry and support local business.
