FRANKLIN, Ind. – Festival Country Indiana has awarded more than $40,000 in grant funding and sponsorships this month to dramatically improve the holiday lighting at the courthouse, fund concert series in Franklin and Bargersville, and support the First Fridays initiative in downtown Franklin. Festival Country’s Board of Directors approved the grants and sponsorships at their November 12 meeting.
Discover Downtown Franklin received a one-time grant of $9,885 to replace several strands of damaged holiday lights atop the courthouse and to increase the total number of strands from eight to 20. This change is designed to enhance the “wow” factor during the Holiday Lighting event on December 6. When the lights are turned on, they will remain illuminated throughout the entire Christmas season.
Additionally, the board renewed funding totaling $33,500 for several existing sponsorships, including First Fridays in downtown Franklin and summer concerts in Franklin and Bargersville.
Grant funds are still available this year. Grant applicants are required to be a nonprofit or a government entity, and the proposed projects must support new tourism by introducing new festivals, events, projects, and attractions to the county or by significantly improving existing ones.
Applicants are encouraged to present their proposals before the board. Festival Country will offer a new grant category in 2026 to organizations planning events aligned with America’s 250th anniversary celebration. For more information on grant requirements, visit this link.
Festival Country Indiana is the official destination organization for Johnson County communities.
