Destination Development Capital Grants is a competitive grant from the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT) that funds capital improvements to tourism destinations and attractions across Massachusetts to enhance tourism recovery and increase non-resident visitation.

The program supports projects to expand, construct, restore, or renovate Massachusetts tourism destinations with a focus on physical improvements with a lifespan of more than five years. The FY24 program was funded at $2,000,000.

Eligible applicants include public agencies, municipalities, and nonprofits incorporated in Massachusetts with 501(c)(3), 501(c)(5), or 501(c)(6) status that have been in operation for at least two years and have spent at least $15,000 annually on tourism-related activities. Projects must demonstrate alignment with state and regional tourism goals.

FY24 Destination Development Capital Grant Guidelines - Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism FY24 Destination Development Capital Grant Guidelines ONLINE APPLICATION DEADLINE: Online applications only. Hard copies or electronic copies will not be considered. Applications must include all required documentation by the program deadline.

Marc Zappulla Destination Development Capital Grant Manager [email protected] Keiko Matsudo Orrall MOTT Executive Director [email protected] 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.

The FY24 Destination Development Capital (DDC) Grant Program is a competitive grant program that will award funds to strengthen the economy of Massachusetts through destination development projects that enhance tourism recovery and have the potential to increase non- resident visitation. 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 corresponding Regional Tourism Council.

The DDC grant is focused on capital improvements with a direct relationship to tourism, and other physical/structural items with a greater than five-year lifespan. The Destination Development Capital (DDC) Grant Program for FY24 is funded at $2,000,000 through the Capital Budget, subject to appropriation. The grant process opens on January 25, 2023, with applications due March 31, 2023.

Grant awards will be announced in June 2023, subject to appropriation. Projects must be completed by June 30, 2024.

A 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 In operation for at least two consecutive years since January 2020 Agency must be in good standing with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and city/town: Must be current on all taxes due through December 31, 2021; and have active and valid state licenses/registrations, if applicable Applicants must have spent at least $15,000 in a fiscal year on tourism related items Applicant must indicate how they are addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion within their organization Applications must be complete, must include all required documentation and be submitted through the online portal, by the deadline, in order to be considered.

Ineligible Organizations: Any organization whose sole or primary purpose is to fundraise Public colleges and universities, and entities that receive state-level operating support or non-project support directly from the Massachusetts General Fund Organizations not located in Massachusetts or whose service does not primarily serve Massachusetts residents GRANT AMOUNTS AND DISTRIBUTION: Level 2 ($50,000-$149,999) Level 3 ($150,000-$250,000) Only one application per grant round may be submitted.

Eligible costs include direct expenses for the bidding and construction of tourism infrastructure projects, including, but not limited to, bid administration, contracting, construction administration, construction, and equipment. Grant funds are disbursed on a cost-reimbursement basis. All grants require a 1:1 match .

DDC recipients will have up to 12 months from the grant approval date to raise matching funds. Applicants who demonstrate ability to raise matching funds within 6 months of the application deadline will be prioritized for award. Matching funds must be used for eligible project costs.

Grants that are not matched will reimburse the Commonwealth for the amount not met.

Matching funds may include any of the following assets: in-kind contributions to the capital project land acquired for the capital project at the purchase price, or fair market value if donated capital project design and engineering donations capital equipment donation donation of consultant time Match amount may not include: donation of employee time or fringe benefits consultant fringe benefits MOTT funds, other Commonwealth grant funds, federal grant funds TYPES OF GRANTS AND PROJECT ELIGIBILITY: Infrastructure – Projects that are shovel-ready including but not limited: additions, renovations, or repair to an existing structure; recreation improvements (signage, kiosks); parking/transportation strategies and solutions Facilities : Projects related but not limited to: garbage management solutions; restroom facility updates; ADA accessibility, systems upgrades and replacements Design and Engineering: Funding for design, engineering and permitting related to tourism projects.

Design and engineering grants must be directly connected with a capital project and lead to completion of the project within a 3-year time frame Ineligible expenses include, but are not limited to, the following: Expenses incurred or obligated prior to or after the funding project period Annual operating expenditures or overhead expenditures (e.g. rent, utilities, etc.) Salaries, bonuses, or fringe benefits of personnel not directly related to the project.

No more than 20% of the grant may be spent on administrative or marketing salaries.

Prize money, gift cards, scholarships, awards, plaques, T-shirts, uniforms or certificates Entertainment, food and beverages including alcohol, cannabis or tobacco Legal fees, insurance/liability insurances and/or membership fees Mini-grants or reallocation to other organizations Any expenses not related to the described grant project Applications will be reviewed by the strength of the following criteria and financial need: Vision And Clarity (25%): Clearly shows the scope and vision of the project and how the Destination Development Capital grant will continue that vision.

Demonstrates the value of the project within the community and can clearly articulate what the project is trying to achieve. Articulates the stakeholders, outcomes and deliverables of the project. Describe unique attributes of the project and its value as a tourist destination for visitors from Massachusetts, nationally, or internationally.

Clearly identifies the top tourism assets in the community including target markets and demographics Clearly shows how the project is consistent with community plans around economic development in the tourism industry.

Articulates why tourists would choose this destination Strong Partnerships (15%): Shows thoughtful inclusion of relevant project partners Demonstrates capacity of partners involved in the program Shows how the success of the project will be measured.

Clearly articulates the impact on the tourism economy Shows a clear target area of focus within the tourism sector with metrics and background Ability To Execute (25%): Clarity of the budget and matching funds Appropriateness of the timeline Has held relevant meetings and made progress on local, state or federal permits required to implement the proposed project, where applicable.

Applications that show the necessary progress on these items will be the most competitive. Each application must include three different letters of support on official letterhead. One from a civic or business leader, one from a state and/or municipal official, and one from an area tourism business owner.

These must be scanned into one document and submitted through the online portal by the grant deadline. Letters submitted after the deadline and letters that are clearly the same in wording will not be considered. Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT) staff will review all complete, eligible proposals submitted by March 31, 2023 at 3 p.

m. Applicants experiencing technical difficulties must alert MOTT by 12 p. m.

, March 31, 2023. MOTT will award and disburse grants based upon criteria outlined above in consultation with EOHED and subject to appropriation. Grant funds are disbursed on a cost-reimbursement basis.

Organizations that are awarded a Destination Development Capital grant are encouraged to support diversity, equity, and inclusion. Please see the Commonwealth’s Directory of Certified Businesses to find minority and women business enterprises. Each award recipient will meet with MOTT twice during the year for one hour virtual progress updates.

Initial meetings will be scheduled after the awards are announced. Mid-project meetings will take place in January- February 2024. FINAL ACCOMPLISHMENT REPORT: Projects must be completed by June 30, 2024 unless an extension is requested and approved by MOTT.

The Final Accomplishment Report format will be included with contract documents. Copies of original vendor invoices showing the actual matching and grant costs incurred, the check number, and date of the check corresponding to the invoices must be submitted. Final Accomplishment Reports are due by July 31, 2024.

Apply for a Destination Development Capital Grant