Destination Development Capital Grants
This program provides competitive funding to public agencies, municipalities, tribal entities, and nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts for improving tourism facilities and infrastructure to boost visitor numbers and enhance the economic impact of tourism.
The Destination Development Capital Grant Program provides competitive capital funding to improve Massachusetts tourism destinations and attractions. It supports projects that expand, construct, restore, or renovate tourism-related facilities and infrastructure in order to increase visitation, encourage repeat visits, strengthen destination resiliency, and boost tourism’s economic impact across the Commonwealth. Eligible projects include tourism infrastructure, facility improvements such as restroom, accessibility, and systems upgrades, and design and engineering work tied to a capital project that can be completed within three years. Applicants may be public agencies, municipalities, tribal entities, or Massachusetts-incorporated nonprofit organizations that meet the program’s tourism and operating requirements. Awards support direct project costs for bidding, construction, equipment, and related capital expenses. Grants are paid on a quarterly cost-reimbursement basis, require matching funds that increase with award size, and cannot be used for general operating expenses, most personnel costs unrelated to the project, entertainment, legal or insurance costs, or pass-through regranting.
Award Range
$25,000 - $1,000,000
Total Program Funding
$8,000,000
Number of Awards
Not specified
Matching Requirement
Yes - 50% for $25,000-$100,000; 75% for $100,001-$250,000; 100% for $250,001-$1,000,000
Additional Details
The program anticipates awarding $8,000,000 in FY27, with individual awards from $25,000 to $1,000,000. A 50 percent match is required for awards of $25,000 to $100,000, a 75 percent match for $100,001 to $250,000, and a 100 percent match for $250,001 to $1,000,000. Grants are disbursed quarterly on a cost-reimbursement basis, and projects must be completed by June 30, 2029.
Eligible Applicants
Additional Requirements
Public agencies, municipalities, tribal entities, and Massachusetts-incorporated nonprofit organizations with IRS 501(c)(3), 501(c)(5), or 501(c)(6) status may apply if they produce, promote, or present tourism attractions and activities for the public or provide public access to physical collections and exhibits. Applicants must be located in Massachusetts, have operated for at least 24 months, meet state and local good-standing requirements, and municipal applicants must comply with the MBTA Communities Act if applicable. Eligible work includes expand, construct, restore or renovate Massachusetts tourism destinations and attractions; Infrastructure projects including additions, renovations, recreation improvements, parking/transportation; Facilities projects related to garbage management, restroom facility updates, ADA accessibility; Design and engineering funding for tourism projects.
Geographic Eligibility
All
Application Opens
June 29, 2026
Application Closes
August 11, 2026
Grantor
Marc Zappulla
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