A branding initiative to raise awareness for the White River in Central Indiana will get under way later this year thanks to a $275,000 grant from The Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust. The two-year grant will fund an initiative to raise awareness of how to access the river at the dozens of parks, boat ramps and cultural attractions along the 58-mile stretch of the river in Hamilton and Marion counties.
“Our hope is the more Hoosiers spend time on and around the White River, the more they will come to value, and act on behalf of, this critical waterway,” said President and CEO Gene D’Adamo of the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust. “We appreciate these efforts to increase awareness of the White River and all it offers.”
A brand development firm will help the White River Vision Plan partners connect with residents, stakeholders and users of the river to create a cohesive look and feel for the community asset. Hamilton County Tourism and Visit Indy will partner with the White River’s stakeholder groups to work with the selected partner to develop the brand. The project will begin Fall 2020 and be completed by Spring 2022.
“This grant allows us to create a unifying brand and voice for the White River and its many partners,” said Sarah Buckner, Destination Development Manager for Hamilton County Tourism. “We’re excited to take this project to the next level and give the White River the brand and recognition it deserves.
In 2018, the City of Indianapolis, Visit Indy and Hamilton County Tourism partnered to create a comprehensive plan for the economic, ecological and cultural enhancement of the 58-mile stretch of the White River through Marion and Hamilton County. More than 13,000 public voices shaped the three overarching themes that serve as the foundation of the White River Vision Plan: Environment, economy and equity.
More information on the RFP process can be found at this link. Proposals are due Aug. 10.
About the White River Vision Plan
The White River Vision Plan is a joint effort between the City of Indianapolis and Hamilton County Tourism, Inc. in partnership with Visit Indy’s philanthropic arm, Tourism Tomorrow, Inc. to develop a comprehensive and coordinated regional, community-driven plan to enhance 58 miles of the White River in Indianapolis and Hamilton County. The goal of the vision plan is to create an accessible, recreational and cultural environment that encourages a unique sense of place for the community.
About the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust
The Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust was established upon the death of Nina Mason Pulliam in 1997 to support the causes she loved in her home states of Arizona and Indiana for 50 years. The Trust seeks to help people in need, protect animals and nature, and enrich community life in metropolitan Indianapolis and Phoenix. Since its inception, the Trust has distributed more than $331 million. For more information visit ninapulliamtrust.org.