Group offers grants to boost tourism

Journey Johnson County is offering grant money for efforts aimed at increasing tourism and visits to the county.

The organization is offering grants to individuals or groups for building new attractions, organizing new festivals, events, business meetings and sports tournaments during 2018.

A total of $20,000 is available to be awarded next year. The money comes from a hotel and motel tax that is collected to promote tourism in the county.

Journey Johnson County, the official destination management organization of the county, seeks to support endeavors that will bring visitors to fill hotel rooms and have a positive economic impact on local businesses and attractions.

Grants are available to nonprofits, government entities and for-profit entities.

Grants can be used for construction of new attractions, advertising, printing and promotional expenses that encourage overnight stays. The funds can also be used to develop websites, brochures and other tools.

The following grants are available: product development for up to $5,000; sports sponsorship for up to $3,000; marketing for up to $2,500; and festivals, events, meetings or conventions for up to $2,500.

Anyone interested in being a part of the 2018 grant program should visit journeyjohnsoncounty.com and click on the grants link in the menu, or email [email protected].

Applications must be submitted by noon Nov. 15.