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.

The primary goals of the Maine Destination Planning & Development Grant are to support tourism planning and development projects that will:  

  • Support and enhance collaboration among key destination organizations to sustainably develop and/or enhance the overall resident & visitor experience in Maine communities.   
  • Create sustainable growth in tourism and outdoor recreation that aligns with the work of the Maine Office of Tourism (MOT)/Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation (MOOR).  See reference materials listed below.    
  • Provide qualified technical and consulting assistance for the planning and development of new and/or best practices in tourism and/or outdoor recreation.   
  • Assist with data gathering and research reports to support planning and development efforts.    

View Full Guidelines Here

Applicants must receive preliminary approval to apply by submitting a Letter of Intent no later than May 1, 2026

View Letter of Intent Instructions Here

Late and/or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

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Friday, May 1, 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 3, 2026  Program award notification  
September 1, 2026  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.

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