Eight local non-profit organizations in Dubois County will receive a total of approximately $15,000 in grant funding from the Dubois County Visitors Center & Tourism Commission's Tourism Promotion Fund. One other organization will receive a sponsorship.

The Tourism Promotion Fund is designed to assist qualified not-for-profit organizations, events, or tourism-related groups in initiating, developing, and promoting increased tourism in the Dubois County area. The recipients were carefully chosen by the Commission's board members.

"We were very pleased with the quality and number of grant applications we received during this grant cycle," said Kristen Ruhe, executive director of the Tourism Commission & Visitors Center. "It is wonderful to see the emphasis and value our local organizations place on attracting visitors to Dubois County."

Recipients for the January 2009 grant round include the Huntingburg Merchant's Association for promotion of the Daffodil Stroll; Jasper Community Arts Commission for advertising and banner signage; Holland Kiwanis Club for the first-ever Gun & Knife Tradeshow; ROJAC for production and distribution of a rack card promoting the "Spirit of Jasper" train and surrounding Old Jasper area; and Jasper Cardinals Baseball, JHS Softball Booster Club, Jasper Boys Basketball Booster Club and Jasper Tennis Patrons Organization for hosting various sports tournaments in Dubois County. Additionally, Eastown Recreation Center was awarded a sponsorship on behalf of the Professional Bowlers Association for hosting a bowling tournament.

The Tourism Commission & Visitors Center awards grants two times per year. Application deadlines are January 15 and July 15 each year. To request a grant application for the upcoming round, please call the Visitors Center at 482-9115 or email info@visitduboiscounty.com .