Maine Office of Touristm: Enterprise Marketing Grant Program

The Maine Tourism Marketing Partnership Program (MTMPP) is a state initiative administered by the Maine Office of Tourism to strengthen Maine’s travel and tourism economy through coordinated marketing efforts. The program’s Enterprise Marketing Grant offers targeted financial support for marketing initiatives that enhance regional tourism impact while aligning with statewide tourism strategy and sustainability values. The FY2026 Cycle 2 round specifically seeks to fund strategic, community-rooted marketing efforts designed to increase visitation and drive spending within Maine destinations. Eligible applicants for the Enterprise Marketing Grant include Maine-based nonprofit organizations (501c3, 501c6, or L3C), municipalities, and tribal governments. All applicants must be in good standing with the Maine Secretary of State at the time of application unless exempt as a municipality. Projects must promote tourism to audiences located more than 50 miles from the destination and align with both the MOT Destination Management Plan and Stewardship Principles. A 50% cash match is required and must be detailed within the budget section of the application. In-kind contributions do not qualify as matching funds. The grant offers awards ranging from $5,000 to $30,000 on a reimbursement basis. Organizations must pay expenses upfront and submit documentation for reimbursement afterward. Eligible uses of funds include paid advertising (print, broadcast, digital), public and media relations, website upgrades, photography and video asset creation, brochure and map fulfillment, and trade show expenses. However, the program does not fund administrative overhead, fundraising activities, promotional merchandise, equipment rentals, or food and alcohol costs. Applications must include ten separate documents, including an overview of the project and organization, board member lists, marketing plans with goals and tactics, a complete project budget, timeline, vendor forms, letters of support from community partners, and acknowledgment from the relevant Regional Destination Marketing Organization. A letter agreeing to contractual Rider B is also required. All materials must be submitted online, and applicants must register or update their accounts no later than 14 days before the application deadline. The review process is led by the Maine Office of Tourism and includes evaluation by a Review Committee. Proposals are assessed based on clarity, collaboration, economic impact, alignment with MOT goals, and the presence of a feasible implementation and evaluation plan. Successful applicants will be notified during the week of December 5, 2025. Grant contracts begin January 1, 2026, and end December 31, 2026, unless otherwise negotiated. For support during the application process, applicants are encouraged to contact Christine Rosen, Development Project Officer, at Christine.Rosen@maine.gov or (207) 592-6251. Additional planning tools and guidelines are available on the MOT Partners website.

Label files clearly by organization and document type. Engage partners early to provide letters of support. Ensure compliance with MOT priorities and branding guidelines.