Who is a member?
Our members are the local governments of Massachusetts and their elected and appointed leadership.
Minuteman Statue, North Bridge and Monument in Concord.
The Executive Office of Economic Development and the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism have opened the Destination Development Capital Grant program for fiscal 2025.
The competitive grant program will award funds to strengthen the state’s economy through destination development projects that enhance tourism sustainability and have the potential to increase non-resident visitation. Preference will be given to projects related to climate resiliency, rural communities, cultural districts, and the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.
The program is included in the Healey-Driscoll administration’s economic development bond bill, the Mass Leads Act, as a strategy to support capital improvements at tourism assets across the state. The administration anticipates funding the fiscal 2025 program at up to $5 million through the capital budget.
Economic Development Secretary Yvonne Hao said the Destination Development Capital Grant program reflects the administration’s commitment “to boosting Massachusetts as a top-tier travel destination while advancing our economic goals.”
Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, a former mayor of Salem, a renowned tourism destination, said she’s familiar with “the transformative impact of tourism on our communities.”
“We’re excited to see how the DDC grant program will continue to strengthen our economy,” she said.
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 project will work to promote the tourism goals of the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism and the Regional Tourism Councils.
Municipalities are among those eligible to apply.
The fiscal 2025 program opened on April 22, and applications are due by May 31. Projects must be completed by June 30, 2025.
Applications must be submitted through the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism’s Online Application Portal.
Grant awards are anticipated to be announced in June 2024.
Guidelines and eligibility information are available online.
A Zoom webinar about Destination Development Capital Grants will be held on May 1 at 10 a.m. To register, contact Marc Zappulla at Marc.Zappulla@mass.gov.