Visit Bloomington grant program encourages local events, tourism

In order to promote tourism in the Bloomington area, Visit Bloomington has announced the continuation of its Marketing Grant program, which will provide up to $35,000 in marketing funds for local festivals and events in 2013.

The program, which is intended to encourage the development of tourist-friendly events in Monroe County, supports events through advertising placed outside the Bloomington area, the production of promotional pieces distributed outside the community and event website development. Any single event can receive up to $5,000 in funding, according to a press release.

“This grant program has distributed more than $100,000 in marketing funds to local event organizers,” said Julie Warren, director of tourism at Visit Bloomington, in the release. “It’s helping the festivals and events attract more and more visitors and drawing attention to Bloomington and the amazing resources in our community.”

Eligible events must be within the boundaries of Monroe County, be open to the general public and exhibit potential to draw visitors from outside the Monroe County area. According to the release, grant applications will be judged by a committee of Visit Bloomington staff and the Board of Directors based on points outlined in the
application materials.

Applications will be accepted beginning June 15, available at the Visit Bloomington office at 2855 N. Walnut St. Eligible events must be scheduled between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2013.

— Mark Keierleber