Destination Forward Grant Program

The Destination Forward Grant is administered by the New Mexico Tourism Department, a state agency responsible for promoting tourism and supporting economic development through visitor engagement and infrastructure investment. The program is designed as a competitive funding opportunity to strengthen tourism across New Mexico by supporting long-term destination development and the revitalization of community-based tourism infrastructure. The grant aligns with the state’s broader vision of positioning New Mexico as a culturally rich and environmentally sustainable destination, consistent with the “New Mexico True” brand. The primary purpose of the grant is to fund projects that enhance tourism infrastructure, including both the development of new assets and the improvement or rehabilitation of existing ones. Eligible uses of funds include a wide range of infrastructure activities such as trail development, signage and wayfinding systems, visitor facilities, historic preservation, public art, transportation access, and conservation-focused improvements. Projects must demonstrate long-term viability, sustainability, and alignment with community priorities, with an emphasis on balancing visitor growth with resident quality of life and environmental stewardship. Funding is structured across three tiers based on project readiness and scale. Tier I supports planning and readiness activities with awards up to 50,000 dollars and does not require matching funds. Tier II supports moderate-scale infrastructure projects ranging from 50,000 to 250,000 dollars and requires a minimum five percent match. Tier III supports large-scale, high-impact projects exceeding 250,000 dollars and also requires a minimum five percent match, along with additional review processes such as a virtual presentation. Matching funds must be documented through formal commitments, and higher match contributions may improve competitiveness. Eligibility is limited to New Mexico-based entities, including local governments, municipalities, tribal governments, and nonprofit organizations that partner with a government entity serving as fiscal agent. Projects must be located within the state and meet criteria such as being shovel-ready or shovel-worthy, aligning with regional development plans, and complying with zoning, environmental, and cultural regulations. Nonprofits must demonstrate formal partnerships and authorization through fiscal sponsorship arrangements. The application process is conducted through an online portal and requires submission of a detailed project narrative, itemized budget, milestone timeline, and supporting documentation such as letters of support, compliance documentation, and technical reports. Applicants must also demonstrate organizational capacity and readiness to execute the project. Evaluation criteria include alignment with program goals, project readiness, sustainability, community impact, and the quality and completeness of submitted materials. Projects included in the state’s Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan may receive additional preference. For the FY27 cycle, the application period opens on March 16, 2026 and closes on April 28, 2026. Awards are expected to support projects beginning in fiscal year 2027, with a performance period extending up to two fiscal years, ending June 30, 2028. The grant is recurring and issued annually, with future cycles anticipated based on legislative appropriations. Awardees are required to complete ongoing reporting, including annual impact assessments across economic, social, cultural, and environmental dimensions. Contact with program staff is available via email at grantinfo@td.nm.gov for technical assistance and application support.

Emphasize shovel readiness strong documentation and alignment with program goals Provide detailed budget and demonstrate long term sustainability and community impact Include ICIP alignment and stakeholder support for competitiveness