Increased Dubois County tourism supports new $100K matching grant program

Visit Dubois County, Inc. has announced they have $100,000 available for matching grants up to $75,000 for projects that enhance and expand tourism in Dubois County.

The Dubois County Tourism Capital Improvement Fund (DCTCIF) program is a competitive, 1:1 matching grant with awarded amounts between $10,000 and $75,000 per project. Any and all entities are eligible to apply.

Preference will be given to larger-scale projects that have the greatest tourism impact.

The projects themselves need to be tangible, physical venture and non-temporary,” said Visit Dubois County Executive Director Whitney Lubbers. “Thus, the focus is adding either additional tourism assets or growing existing ones for an enhanced experience.”

She said the review committee will focus on the best tourism and community return on investment when making decisions.

“I believe that will be the toughest part of this endeavor as I have every confidence that there will be amazing proposals submitted,” Lubbers said.

The DCTCIF program has been part of the tourism group’s strategic plan for some time. Lubbers explained that the organization could fund the program due to recent increases in tourism to the area. Visit Dubois County is funded through revenue collected from the innkeepers’ tax for temporary lodging.

“In 2022, we had a phenomenal growth year at over 18 percent increase in innkeeper’s tax revenue received,” Lubbers explained. “This allowed for some additional monies to be applied towards this initiative.”

Available capital for this endeavor limits this to a one-year trial. Following that time, the Dubois County Tourism Capital Improvement Fund will either be terminated or additional monies may be allotted for successive years, Lubbers said.

The DCTCIF information packet that details eligibility, scoring rubric, and additional parameters can be found here: DCTCIF Information Packet After reviewing the DCTCIF information packet (above), applicants with eligible projects may apply for funds. Visit the DCTCIF webpage that links to the application: visitduboiscounty.com/dctcif.

Anyone with an idea is welcome to contact Visit Dubois County to discuss the project’s viability for this grant cycle. The number is 1-800-968-4578.

Lubbers said they are looking forward to seeing the proposals. Though the review committee may have some thoughts on the projects they would like to see, she explained they don’t want to limit anyone’s creativity because “the proposals received may unearth something truly magical.”