The Maine Communities Grant Program is designed to support tourism-focused, community-oriented marketing projects and events. Administered by the Maine Office of Tourism (MOT), this grant helps municipalities, tribal governments, and Maine-based nonprofits enhance local tourism initiatives in alignment with the MOT Destination Management Plan and Stewardship Principles. The grant is awarded in two cycles per year—spring and fall.

Grants range from $2,500 to $5,000 and are available to eligible organizations including Maine municipalities, tribal governments, and nonprofits classified as 501(c)(3), 501(c)(6), or L3C. Other organizations may apply through a tourism-related nonprofit fiscal agent partner. Applicants must create or update their online account at least 14 days before the application deadline. Organizations may receive only one Maine Office of Tourism grant per fiscal year. Repeat applicants must show program growth or an expansion of previous initiatives.

The grant funds projects that attract visitors residing at least 50 miles away and align with Maine’s tourism development goals. Eligible projects include paid advertising, media relations, website upgrades, asset development (photography/video), and fulfillment (brochures, guides, and maps). Ineligible expenses include administrative costs, fundraising activities, capital equipment, promotional items, food, alcohol, and professional development.

Applications for FY26 Cycle 1 are due by Friday, May 23, 2025, at 2:00 PM, with grant awards announced the week of June 9, 2025. Contracts begin July 1, 2025, and all funds are distributed on a reimbursement basis. A final grant report is due within 30 days of the contract’s end date.

The application process requires submission of an organizational overview, a detailed project budget with cash and in-kind matches, a project timeline, two letters of support, a State of Maine Substitute W-9 & Vendor Authorization Form, and a certificate of good standing. All materials must be submitted as separate documents in PDF format.

Applications are evaluated on project goals, budget clarity, strategic impact, collaboration, economic impact, and alignment with Maine’s tourism strategy. Upon approval, contracts are subject to state laws and must incorporate required branding elements such as the "Maine" logo in marketing materials.

For further inquiries, applicants may contact Chiara Moriconi at the Maine Office of Tourism via email at Chiara.Moriconi@maine.gov or phone at (207) 624-9809.