FRANKLIN, Ind. - The 2026 Festival Country Indiana grant program is now accepting tourism proposals, including those for its new funding category: the USA's 250th celebration.
Festival Country, the official destination organization for the communities of Johnson County, awarded more than $300,000 in grant funding and sponsorships in 2025. It will fund local 250th celebrations, art projects, and other ideas that will attract visitors and residents.
In addition to the new category, Festival Country will continue to fund events and attractions that generate tourism.
Last year, Festival Country’s Board of Directors approved grants and sponsorships to bring summer concert series to four venues, to fund First Fridays in downtown Franklin, and to help construct new amphitheaters in Trafalgar and Edinburgh.
“The projects we have committed to fund are game changers for our communities, and we are looking to take on some more meaningful projects in 2026,” said Kenneth Kosky, executive director of Festival Country. Kosky said he is especially looking forward to receiving ideas to commemorate our country’s 250th, whether it be a mural or an epic celebration.
Festival Country Indiana’s grant program is open annually, and applications are accepted in advance of each monthly board meeting. Grant applicants are required to be a nonprofit or a government entity. The proposed projects must support tourism by introducing new festivals, events, projects, and attractions to the county, or significantly improving existing ones.
For details and requirements, visit festivalcountryindiana.com and, from the menu, select "grants."
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