Destination Planning & Development

Maine Destination Planning & Development Grant

Maine Destination Planning & Development Grant (MDPD)

The Maine Destination Planning & Development Grant is a new funding opportunity designed to support community-driven tourism and outdoor recreation planning across Maine. Rooted in the state’s Destination Management Plan, this program focuses on collaboration, data-informed strategies, and thoughtful development that balances visitor experience with quality of life for Maine communities.

Update 8/5/2026: The application process for this program is closed. Award decisions will be distributed to all applicants the week of August 24th, 2026.

Maine Destination Planning & Development Grant Overview:

    • MDPD grant overview
    • Eligibility and timeline guidelines
    • Application process and preparation tips

WATCH PROGRAM OVERVIEW NOW

VIEW SLIDES

Monday, May 4, 2026  2pm – LAST day to submit a Letter of Intent (LOI)   
Monday, May 11, 2026  2pm – Application portal open to LOI approvals 
Wednesday, July 15, 2026  2pm – Application DEADLINE 

 
Week of August 24, 2026  Program award notification  
October 1, 2026  EARLIEST Contract Start Date  
Progress & Final Reports  Grant contracts are awarded for a maximum 12-month period.   

  • Progress reports will be due throughout your grant project.  Due date(s) will be determined in final grant contract.   
  • Final reports are due 30 days from contract end date.   

Planning & Strategy Resources

Get Connected and Aligned with Partners

Hannah Collins
Deputy Director, Maine Office of Tourism
Phone: 207-624-7456
Email: [email protected] 

Jeff McCabe
Director, Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation
Phone: 207-592-2784
Email: [email protected]

Important Funding Note

The Maine Destination Planning & Development Grant is reimbursement-based. Awarded organizations must be able to pay expenses upfront and request reimbursement after work is completed and documentation is submitted.

Grant applications are accepted once per year for a minimum amount of $50,000 and a maximum amount of $200,000, with a 10% cash match required from the applying organization.      

DMP Reset and 5-year Strategy for Marketing & Management

The Maine Office of Tourism has developed a state-wide destination management plan. Together with Maine tourism industry stakeholders and residents we have established benchmarks that support destination stewardship, and help balance our industry’s growth with residential quality of life and the inherent qualities that have always drawn people to Maine for vacationing and active, outdoor recreation pursuits.

Maine’s 10 Year Outdoor Recreation Economy Roadmap

Outdoor recreation is a cornerstone Maine’s identity, economy, and quality of life. Our advantage lies in a collaborative industry supported by natural resources.  This roadmap guides collaborative action to build infrastructure, invest in workforce and business development, and communicate the full value of this sector.

Two people wearing helmets ride bicycles side by side on a gravel path through a wooded area.

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