FY 2026 Destination Development Capital Grants

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REQUEST FOR RESPONSES (RFR) GUIDELINES AND APPLICATION INFORMATION

RFR RELEASE DATE: May 29, 2025

ONLINE APPLICATION DEADLINE: July 9, 2025 at 3:00 PM

Online applications only. Hard copies or electronic copies will not be considered. Applications must include all required documentation by the program deadline.

QUESTIONS:

Marc Zappulla

Destination Development Capital Grant Manager Marc.zappulla@mass.gov

Kate Fox

MOTT Executive Director kate.fox@mass.gov

Grant questions must be submitted in writing by 3:00 p.m. on June 30, 2025.

Any applicants experiencing technical difficulties must alert MOTT by 12:00 p.m. on July 8, 2025.

View slides from an informational webinar held June 4. 2025.

OVERVIEW:

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 FY26 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. MOTT will strive to take geographic equity into consideration, and projects with a presence in a Designated Cultural District, relate to nature-based/agricultural/rural tourism, or have a nexus with commemorations of the 250th anniversary of American Independence will receive priority consideration.

The Destination Development Capital (DDC) Grant Program anticipates awarding up to $6,000,000 in FY26, subject to funding availability.

The grant process opens on May 29, 2025 with applications due July 9, 2025.

Grant awards will be announced in August 2025, subject to appropriation.

Projects must be completed by June 30, 2026

APPLICANT ELIGIBILITY:

1. A public agency, municipality, tribal entity, 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:

Produces, promotes, or presents tourism attractions and activities for the public.
Provides public access to physical collections and exhibits.

2. In operation for at least 24 months.

3. Agency must be in good standing with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and city/town where it is located; must be current on all taxes due through December 31, 2023; and have active and valid state licenses/registrations, if applicable.

4. Municipal applicants must be in compliance with MBTA Communities Act (Section 3A of MGL c. 40A), if applicable/required, to be eligible for funding

5. Applicants must have spent at least $15,000 in a fiscal year on tourism related items. Note: A tourist is defined as somebody who travels more than 50 miles or spends a paid overnight at their destination. Tourism related items include marketing such as television, radio, web or social media based, printouts made to disburse, signage, or hiring of a marketing agency to outsource such items. And align with question in application.

6. Applicant must indicate how they are addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion within their organization.

7. Applications must be complete, include all required documentation, and be submitted through the online portal, by the deadline, in order to be considered.

Ineligible Organizations:

For-profit organizations
Any organization whose sole or primary purpose is to fundraise
Public colleges and universities, and entities that receive state-level operating support or non-project support directly from the Massachusetts General Fund
A fiscal sponsor that will pass through funds to an ineligible organization
Organizations not located in Massachusetts

GRANT AMOUNTS AND DISTRIBUTION:

Range of awards: $5,000 - $200,000
Only one application per applicant may be submitted. Eligible costs include direct expenses for the bidding and construction of tourism infrastructure projects, including, but not limited to, bid administration, contracting, construction administration, construction, and equipment.
Grant funds are disbursed quarterly, on a cost-reimbursement basis.

TYPES OF GRANTS AND PROJECT ELIGIBILITY:

Infrastructure – Projects including but not limited: additions, renovations, or repair to an existing structure; recreation improvements (signage, kiosks); parking/transportation strategies and solutions
Facilities: Projects related but not limited to garbage management solutions; restroom facility updates; ADA accessibility, systems upgrades and replacements
Design and Engineering: Funding for design, engineering and permitting related to tourism projects. Design and engineering grants must be directly connected with a capital project and lead to completion of the project within a 3-year time frame

Ineligible expenses:
Ineligible expenses include, but are not limited to, the following:

Expenses incurred or obligated prior to or after the funding project period
Annual operating expenditures or overhead expenditures (e.g. rent, utilities, etc.)
Salaries, bonuses, or fringe benefits of personnel not directly related to the project. No more than 20% of the grant may be spent on administrative or marketing salaries.
Prize money, gift cards, scholarships, awards, plaques, T-shirts, uniforms or certificates
Entertainment expenses, including food, beverages including alcohol, cannabis or tobacco
Legal fees, insurance/liability insurances and/or membership fees
Mini-grants or reallocation to other organizations
Any expenses not related to the described grant project

MATCHING REQUIREMENTS:

All grants require a 1:1 match. This means the grant recipient must raise an amount equal to or more than the grant amount. For example, if a grant in the amount of $10,000 is awarded, the recipient must contribute $10,000 or more of matching funds to the project.

DDC recipients will have until June 30, 2026 to raise matching funds. Matching funds must be used for eligible project costs. Grants that are not matched will be required to reimburse the Commonwealth for the amount not met.

Matching funds may include any of the following assets:

cash funds
in-kind contributions to the capital project
land acquired for the capital project at the purchase price, or fair market value if donated
capital project design and engineering donations
capital equipment donation
municipal funding
donation of consultant time

Match amount may not include:

donation of employee time or fringe benefits
consultant fringe benefits
endowment funds
MOTT funds, other Commonwealth grant funds, including grants from independent and quasi-public state agencies, and federal grant funds

REVIEW CRITERIA:
Applications will be reviewed by the strength of the following criteria and financial need:

Vision And Clarity (30%):

Clearly shows the scope and vision of the project and how the Destination Development Capital grant will continue that vision.
Demonstrates the value of the project within the community and can clearly articulate what the project is trying to achieve.
Articulates the stakeholders, outcomes, and deliverables of the project.
Describe unique attributes of the project and its value as a tourist destination for visitors from Massachusetts, nationally, or internationally.

Alignment & Partnerships (25%):

Clearly identifies the top tourism assets in the community including target markets and demographics.
Clearly shows how the project is consistent with community plans around economic development in the tourism industry.
Articulates why tourists would choose this destination.
Shows thoughtful inclusion of relevant project partners.
Demonstrates capacity of partners involved in the program.
Describes how the organization advances diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Ability To Execute (20%):

Clarity of the budget and matching funds
Appropriateness of the timeline
Has held relevant meetings and made progress on local, state, or federal permits required to implement the proposed project, where applicable.

Economic Impact (15%):

Shows how the success of the project will be measured.
Clearly articulates the impact on the tourism economy.
Shows a clear target area of focus within the tourism sector with metrics and background.

Policy Priorities (10%):

Demonstrates that the project will enhance the tourism asset and/or the community’s resilience to the effects of climate change. (For applicants requesting engineering or construction funding: the review team will consider the project’s Climate Standards Tool Report specifically; if an applicant does not complete the Climate Standards Tool, their application will receive 0 points for this category.) (4%)
Projects that fulfill statutory priorities may receive priority:
Projects that are located within a Designated Cultural District per Chapter 10, Section 58A (2%)
Projects that relate to nature-based, agricultural, and/or rural tourism (2%)
Projects that relate to commemorations of the 250th anniversary of American Independence. (2%)

CLIMATE STANDARDS TOOL REPORT
Applicants requesting engineering or construction funds must attach a project output report from the Commonwealth's online Climate Resilience Design Standards Tool (“Climate Standards Tool”). This Tool guides users to input basic project information and generates a downloadable report for attachment. These reports provide preliminary climate exposure ratings for a location, which the review team will use to better understand future climate risks to a project site. The entire process, exclusive of registration, should take no more than 15 minutes. Step-by-step guidance for generating a project report is given in Appendix A.

LETTERS OF SUPPORT:

Each application must include three different letters of support on official letterhead. One from a civic or business leader, one from a state or municipal official, and one from an area tourism leader. These must be scanned into one document and submitted through the online portal by the grant deadline. Letters submitted after the deadline and letters that are identical in wording will not be considered. No more than three letters will be accepted as a part of the application.

AWARD PROCESS:

Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT) staff will review all complete, eligible proposals submitted by DATE at 3:00 pm. Grant questions must be submitted in writing by 3:00 p.m. on July 9, 2025.

Any applicants experiencing technical difficulties must alert MOTT by 12:00 p.m. on July 8, 2025.

MOTT will award and disburse grants based upon criteria outlined above in consultation with EOED and subject to appropriation. Grant funds are disbursed on a cost-reimbursement basis. Organizations that are awarded a Destination Development Capital grant are encouraged to support diversity, equity, and inclusion. Please see the Commonwealth’s Directory of Certified Businesses to find minority and women business enterprises.

PROGRESS MEETINGS: Each award recipient will meet with MOTT twice during the year for one-hour virtual progress updates. Initial meetings will be scheduled after the awards are announced. Mid-project meetings will take place in January- February 2026.

FINAL ACCOMPLISHMENT REPORT:

Projects must be completed by June 30, 2026, unless an extension is requested and approved by MOTT. Extension requests must be submitted to MOTT by April 1, 2026. The Final Accomplishment Report format will be included with contract documents. Copies of original vendor invoices showing the actual matching and grant costs incurred, the check number, and date of the check corresponding to the invoices must be submitted. Final Accomplishment Reports are due by July 31, 2026.

Appendix A: Climate Resilience Design Standards Tool

All applicants requesting engineering or construction funds from the Destination Development Capital (DDC) Grant Program must attach a project output report from the Commonwealth's online Climate Resilience Design Standards Tool (“Climate Standards Tool”). This Tool guides users to input basic project information and generates a downloadable report for attachment. These reports provide preliminary climate exposure ratings by location, which reviewers use to better understand future climate risks to your project site.

This appendix provides step-by-step guidance to assist DDC Grant applicants with inputting their projects. The entire process, exclusive of registration, should take no more than 15 minutes.

Technical Assistance

For technical assistance with the Tool, please email climatescience@mass.gov. Please note that technical problems may require investigation. Applicants are encouraged to generate their project output report as soon as possible and budget at least three (3) business days prior to submission of their application to allow adequate time for resolution of any technical problem, should a problem arise. An informational webinar including an overview of the tool and other key resources found on the ResilientMass website can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EnSRGhVpQ3E.

Log-In / Register

Navigate to the Tool

Click the Log-in/Register button
If first-time user:

Click Create an account
Complete the sign-up form, then click Sign Up
Follow the on-screen and emailed instructions to activate your user account

If returning user:

Enter username and password, then click Login

If forgotten password:

Click Forgot password
Enter username, then click Send Reset Code
Follow the on-screen and emailed instructions to reset your password

If forgotten username:

Please see the Troubleshooting Tip below. If unsuccessful, email rmat@mass.gov as soon as possible. Usernames cannot be retrieved without technical assistance

Troubleshooting Tip for Forgotten Username: An email address can never be a username. However, when creating a username, many new users choose an abbreviation of their email address. For example, a user with the email address john.doe@city.gov might choose john.doe as their username. Users may wish to test an abbreviation of their email address first.

Entering Your Project

For building projects – Additions, renovations, or repairs to a structure with four walls and a roof

Log-in to the Tool
Click New Project and enter a short name under Project Name
Follow the on-screen instructions to draw the project area. Don’t over think it! A video clip on how to draw your project area can be found here, if desired.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete Steps 1-3 of the Tool. Here, users will input basic project information. Hyperlinks to video clips for each step are provided below for additional assistance, if desired.

After completing Steps 1-3, click Step 4 Project Asset, then click Building/Facility Assets (+)
For the Asset Name, enter the name or a 1- to 3-word description of the building – e.g., “Welcome Center” or “Concessions Stand”
For the Asset Type:
Select Typically Occupied for buildings that allow year-round access
Otherwise, select Typically Unoccupied
For the Asset Sub-Type, select Other, then retype the Asset Name – e.g., “Welcome Center” or “Concessions Stand”
For the Construction Type, select the option that best matches your project. Don’t overthink it!
For Construction Start Year, enter the calendar year during which construction of your project will start
For Asset Useful Life, enter the estimated number of years before the project will likely need a major renovation or replacement
Complete the Asset Criticality Questions to the best of your ability. Don’t overthink them! Look for information icons (?) to assist with responses, as needed.
Click the Project Output header. If no errors are found, the Tool will advance to the Project Output tab.
Click the Submit Project header, then click Submit Project, followed by Submit
Click Download Report

For non-building projects – Improvements, renovations, or new construction of outdoor spaces or structures with no walls (walking paths, public plazas, parking areas, pavilions, grandstands, outdoor stages, etc.)

Log-in to the Tool
Click New Project and enter a short name under Project Name
Follow the on-screen instructions to draw the project area. Don’t over think it! A video clip on how to draw your project area can be found here, if desired.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete Steps 1-3 of the Tool. Here, users will input basic project information. Hyperlinks to video clips for each step are provided below for additional assistance, if desired.

After completing Steps 1-3, click Step 4 Project Asset, then click Infrastructure Assets (+)
For the Asset Name, enter the name or a 1- to 3-word description of the outdoor space or structure – e.g., “pavilion,” “grandstand,” “parking lot,” or “stone wall”
For the Asset Type, select Other
For the Asset Sub-Type, select Other, then retype the Asset Name – e.g., “pavilion,” “grandstand,” “parking lot,” or “stone wall”
For the Construction Type, select the option that best matches your project. Don’t overthink it!
For Construction Start Year, enter the calendar year during which construction of your project will start
For Asset Useful Life, enter the estimated number of years before the project will likely need a major renovation or replacement
Complete the Asset Criticality Questions to the best of your ability. Don’t overthink them! Look for information icons (?) to assist with responses, as needed.
Click the Project Output header. If no errors are found, the Tool will advance to the Project Output tab.
Click the Submit Project header, then click Submit Project, followed by Submit
Click Download Report

We use Submittable to accept and review our submissions.

Submit