Total Solar Eclipse Grant Program

On April 8^th, 2024, the entirety of Hendricks County will experience the totality of the Solar Eclipse. Passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada, 2024’s total solar eclipse will be the first to touch Indiana soil since 1869.

With the path of totality enduring for more than 3 minutes, Hendricks County is the place to be! Visit Hendricks County is instituting a grant program to help fund exciting events, activities, and programs centered around the eclipse.

The program will award grant winners up to $2,500 in 1:1 matching funds per activity or event, which will be reimbursed following the completion of the activity or event.

Whether you’re planning an educational seminar, festival, sporting event, art show, or more; most activities or events open to the public are eligible.

Deadline: 

The deadline to apply for the Total Solar Eclipse Grant Program has passed. Thank you to all who have submitted information. You will be contacted once a decision has been made. 

Grant Details:

• Up to $2,500 in 1:1 matching funds with funds reimbursed after project completion
• 1 grant request per event and organization
• Applying entities will be notified of the final decision regarding their request by December 8th, 2023
• Visit Hendricks County should receive proper recognition or sponsorship package for the grant amount, if applicable
• Winning applicants may receive complimentary advertising via Visit Hendricks County

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Criteria:

1. Take place March 1^st to April 8^th
   1. For social/entertainment events, it must take place between April 4^th-8^th.
2. Be held in Hendricks County;
3. Be open and accessible to the public (it can be free or paid);
4. Be registered on the Visit Hendricks County event calendar;
5. Be relevant to the total solar eclipse;
6. Have an entertainment or educational aspect;
7. Follow all federal, state, and local regulations.
8. Applicants are open to for-profit, or non-profit organizations/businesses located/headquartered in Hendricks County. Governmental agencies are also eligible to apply. Individuals are NOT eligible to apply.
9. Grant applications must provide a detailed plan for the events and activities, in addition to a budget.
10. Grant recipients will be notified of funding by December 8th, 2023.
11. Each applicant can seek the maximum of $2,500 in total grant funding offered by the program.
12. Grant recipients will be reimbursed for funded activities based on receipts.
13. Grant applications will be reviewed and awarded by the Visit Hendricks County Grant Committee members.
14. The following applicants will not be eligible for funding:
    1. Those that discriminate in its programs, activities, or hiring policies.
    2. Those affiliated with any national organization or chapter that discriminates based on race, color, national or ethic origin, ancestry, age, religion, disability, medical condition, sex, or gender (including pregnancy), gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristics protected under applicable federal, state or local law.
    3. Political organizations of any sort.

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Eligible Reimbursements

Eligible Reimbursement Expenses

1. Development of long-term assets that celebrates the solar eclipse (i.e., art installation). 
2. Product development or other infrastructure (i.e., purchasing a stage for a single day festival that you can use in future events). 
3. Artist and/or performer fees. 
4. Photography/videography services provided by an independent contractor. 
5. Facility rental. 
6. Graphic design services or other professional services for printable promotions, public relations, or digital marketing. 
7. Advertising (newspaper, radio, television, social media, etc.) 
8. Website development, enhancement, and/or SEO.
9. Promotional items for giveaways to visitors and attendees.  
10. Expenses in approved categories submitted within the 60-day reimbursement window following the event. 

Ineligible Reimbursement Expenses

1. Wages for any salaried or hourly staff/employees.
2. Operating costs (including web hosting, domain registration, tickets, etc.).
3. Items for resale.
4. Food and drink.
5. Mileage or other travel costs.
6. Any expenses submitted outside the 60-day reimbursement window following the event.

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