COLUMBUS, Ind. – The Columbus Area Visitors Center has announced a new funding opportunity. The center maintains a grant pool from which tax-exempt organizations may request support for projects aimed at enhancing tourism in Bartholomew County.
After awarding a second round of Tourism Development grants this year, the amount of $7,500 remains to be granted to community partners. Grant requests are evaluated by the Tourism Development Committee, a subcommittee of the Visitors Center’s board of directors.
The source of these funds is the County Innkeeper’s Tax paid by visitors to the community and collected by lodging properties. All grants must fall under the accepted uses as defined in Indiana Code 6-9-18-1.
Strategies for this program include projects that:
- Incentivize the creation of new tourism attractions and programs.
- Enhance current tourism attractions and programs.
- Encourage collaboration in the creation and enhancement of tourism attractions and programs.
Examples of past projects supported by these funds include the 6th Street Arts Alley, Jolie Crider Memorial Skate Park, and Atterbury-Bakalar Air Museum’s Charlie 119 restoration.
Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis through November 30, or until funds are exhausted. Grant applications are available at https://columbus.in.us/grants-info/. Completed applications should be emailed to rgray@columbus.in.us.
