The fall 2009 grant deadline for the Tourism Grant is quickly approaching for Decatur County, and applications are available.

According to the Decatur County Tourism Website, www.visitgreensburg.com, the Decatur County Visitors and Recreation Commission's (DCVRC) mission is to promote and develop the visitor and recreation industry in Decatur County. One of the vehicles used to promote and develop the area comes from grants designed to support the development of events and other marketing tools for the community.

Grants are offered twice a year in the spring and fall, according to tourism director Melanie Maxwell. The DCVRC will vote on the grants at their regular meetings. Grants for the Fall 2009 cycle will be due by 5 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 26.

More than $100,000 has been awarded since the DCVRC was formed. Some of the groups receiving support over the years include: Downtown Greensburg Development Corporation; Power of the Past; Decatur County Historical Society; River Valley Resources; New Point Crackaway Daze; Decatur County Fair Board; The Independent Westport Area Business Association; the American Kennel Club; Town of New Point; the Decatur County Parks and Recreation Department; and Stapp's Circle S Ranch.

“We’ve helped with a little bit of everything,” Maxwell explained.

Some of the projects funded have included Websites, brochures, signage and advertising.

For additional information about this grant program or to ask questions, those interested can e-mail Decatur County Tourism at info@visitgreensburg.com or call them at 812-222-8733. Applications can be found on the Website under the welcome tab and into the local industries tab.