The Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development (EOHED) through the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT) is committed to helping communities recover from the impact of COVID-19 and contribute to the long-term strength and sustainability of the Commonwealth. Funded at $2 million through the Capital Budget and the Tourism Trust Fund, the competitive FY24 Destination Development Capital (DDC) Grant Program, will award funds to strengthen the economy of Massachusetts through destination development projects that enhance tourism sustainability and have the potential to increase non-resident visitation.
Any 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: Produces, promotes, or presents tourism attractions and activities for the public; Provides public access to physical collections and exhibits for tourists and meets other eligibility criteria can apply.
Eligible projects will enhance tourism resources and infrastructure and will aid in destination recovery and 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 MA Office of Travel and Tourism and the Regional Tourism Councils. DDC grants are focused on capital improvements with a direct relationship to tourism, and other physical/structural items with a greater than five-year lifespan. All projects must be completed by June 30, 2024. DDC guidelines and information is available here.
The FY24 Destination Development Grant Program opened January 25, 2023, with applications due March 31, 2023. Applications must be submitted through MOTT’s Submittable Online Application Portal. Grant awards will be announced in June, 2023.
Please read the FAQs and attend the Q/A session on Wednesday, March 1, at 10 a.m. To register, please contact Marc Zappulla, cc: Keiko Orrall. If you have a specific question, please include that in your email.