The organization charged with bringing visitors to Indianapolis likely will get a funding boost next year, but its leaders say more dollars will be needed to promote the city’s expanded amenities.

A City-County Council committee moved about $1.25 million from the Capital Improvement Board’s renovation fund to the Indianapolis Convention and Visitors Association budget Wednesday.

If approved by the full council Monday, the new funds will boost the group’s 2010 budget from about $7.8 million to more than $9 million.

ICVA leaders have said the organization, which is funded mostly by the financially struggling CIB, needs a total budget of $9.5 million to $11.5 million next year to have enough money to promote the expanded Indiana Convention Center and venues such as the 1,000-room JW Marriott hotel.

Drawing people here is crucial, ICVA leaders say, as Indianapolis is expected to move from the 32nd-largest convention destination to the 16th largest within two years.

“This is a big first step,” Don Welsh, ICVA president and chief executive officer, said of the added funding. “We can start to tackle the long-term, rather than tomorrow.”

Finding more money for the ICVA in the CIB’s bare-bones 2010 operating budget of $63 million will require the CIB to delay replacing carpet in the existing convention center to match the expanded facility.

City boosters have said the new carpet is important to help sell the new facility to potential clients. But council members who voted to move the funds said that at this point, promoting the city is more important.

“If we don’t have marketing money, no one will be at the convention center to enjoy the carpeting,” said Michael McQuillen, the Republican chairman of the council committee that passed the measure.

Welsh said the initial funding will be used to draw convention business to Indianapolis through efforts such as calling on clients and offering discounts. He said at least $500,000 more would be needed to carry out the group’s marketing plans for next year, which include promoting Indianapolis as a leisure destination.

The group will continue discussions with the city, private businesses and arts and cultural groups in hopes of finding more dollars. Welsh said he’s optimistic — even in tough economic times — that the group can come up with additional funds.

“We’re not going to stop (asking),” he said. “There are an extraordinary number of people right now who understand what’s at risk.”