The Executive Office of Economic Development (EOED) through the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT) is committed to helping communities contribute to the long-term strength and sustainability of the Commonwealth. The FY25 Destination Development Capital (DDC) Grant Program is a competitive grant program that will award funds to improve facilities and destinations visited by in state and out-of-state travelers, with the goals of increasing visitation, enticing repeat visitation, and increasing the direct and indirect economic impacts of the tourism industry in all regions of the commonwealth.

Eligible projects will enhance tourism resources and infrastructure and will aid in destination resiliency. Applications will be accepted for projects that include plans to expand, construct, restore or renovate Massachusetts tourism destinations and attractions. Applicants must demonstrate how the tourism capital project will work to promote the tourism goals of the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism and the corresponding Regional Tourism Council. The DDC grant is focused on capital improvements with a direct relationship to tourism, and other physical/structural items with a greater than five-year lifespan. In accordance with the ResilientMass Plan, projects that include elements intended to increase the climate resilience of a tourism destination or attraction will receive consideration in the review process.  Projects with a presence in a Designated Cultural District, locations within rural communities, and nexus with commemorations of the 250th anniversary of American Independence may receive priority consideration.

The Destination Development Capital (DDC) Grant Program anticipates awarding up to $6,000,000 in FY25, subject to funding availability. 

The grant process opens on April 22, 2024 with applications due May 31, 2024.

Grant awards are anticipated to be announced in June 2024, subject to appropriation.

Projects must be completed by June 30, 2025

Please read the grant guidelines and attend the Q/A session on Wednesday, May 1, at 10 a.m. To register, please contact Marc Zappulla. If you have a specific question, please include that in your email.

APPLICANT ELIGIBILITY

1. A public agency, municipality, or nonprofit organization incorporated in Massachusetts with 501(c)3, 501(c)5, 501(c)6, status from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that does one of the following:
       a. Produces, promotes, or presents tourism attractions and activities for the public.
       b. Provides public access to physical collections and exhibits.
2. In operation for at least two consecutive years since January 2020.
3. Agency must be in good standing with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and city/town: Must be current on all taxes due through December 31, 2022; and have active and valid state licenses/registrations, if applicable.
4. Applicants must have spent at least $15,000 in a fiscal year on tourism related items.
5. Applicant must indicate how they are addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion within their organization.
6. Applications must be complete, must include all required documentation and be submitted through the online portal, by the deadline, in order to be considered.
        Ineligible Organizations:
   1) For-profit organizations
   2) Any organization whose sole or primary purpose is to fundraise
   3) Public colleges and universities, and entities that receive state-level operating support or non-project support directly from the Massachusetts General Fund
   4) Organizations not located in Massachusetts

The Massachusetts Marketing Partnership/Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism (MMP/MOTT) will be administering your Fiscal Year 2024 Earmark: Per the Fiscal Year 2024 Massachusetts State Budget. In order to initiate your contract, complete the Earmark Scope and Budget form and return it to the earmark program manager. Please be advised: 

• All funding under this contract must be spent by, and all deliverables must be executed, completed and delivered by June 30, 2024.
• Any unexpended funds from this contract must be refunded by June 30, 2024 in the form of a check made payable to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
• The last receipt is due to the earmark program manager by July 15, 2024.
• The maximum contract obligation will not exceed the amount published in the state budget line item.
• The contractor shall submit the most recent copy of an independently audited financial statement to receive initial payment.
• Funds provided under this contract may not be used for the purchase of alcoholic beverages.

Reimbursement Schedule: 

• 50% of the earmark will be distributed upon receipt of the signed contract.
• A second allocation of the remaining 50% will be made upon receipt of the cost reimbursement invoice and final report.
• The Cost Reimbursement Invoice and Final Report are due by June 30, 2024.

Cost Reimbursement Invoice and Final Report: In order to receive the second allotment of 50% of the earmark, you must submit a completed Cost Reimbursement Invoice (attachment B) and Final Report to the earmark program manager. The Invoice should include receipts and proof of payment for all earmark expenditures. The Final Report should provide a brief summary of how the funds were expended and address all elements of the budget at the conclusion of the initiatives. The report shall include outcomes and any quantifiable details such as: job creation, jobs retained, economic impact, return on investment, number of businesses/visitors served or trained, and other relevant statistics. The Cost Reimbursement Invoice and Final Report are due by June 30, 2024.