The Executive Office of Economic Development (EOED) and the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT) have announced the Destination Development Capital (DDC) Grant program for fiscal year 2025. Destination Development Grants are included in the economic development plan, “The Mass Leads Act: An Act Relative to Strengthening Massachusetts’ Economic Leadership,” as a strategy to support critical capital improvements at tourism assets across Massachusetts.
The 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. Projects that increase climate resiliency, are located within a rural community or Cultural District, and/or relate to the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution may receive priority consideration.
The 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. Projects must be completed by June 30, 2025.
DDC guidelines and information is available on Mass.gov. Applications must be submitted through Submittable. Grant awards are anticipated to be announced in June 2024, subject to appropriation.
Please read the grant guidelines and attend the Q/A session on Wednesday, March 1, at 10 a.m. To register, please contact Marc Zappulla. If you have a specific question, please include that in your email.
