The Maine Office of Tourism (MOT) is seeking applications for its Special Event Grant to provide marketing funds to existing, well-established events to expand and advance marketing strategies to attract new audiences, increase overnight visitation, and length of stay.
Donor Name: Maine Office of Tourism (MOT)
State: Maine
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 05/11/2026
Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000
Grant Duration: 1 Year
Details:
The Maine Tourism Marketing Partnership Program (MTMPP) was created to assist with the implementation of marketing programs designed to stimulate and expand Maine’s travel and tourism economy by coordinating the promotional efforts of the private sector with those of the Maine Office of Tourism (MOT) and its corresponding Regional Destination Marketing Organization (RDMO). Qualifying organizations must be a Maine non-profit, municipality, or tribal government.
Special events strengthen Maine’s brand and image nationally and internationally, have a direct economic impact on the state economy, and attract visitation to Maine’s shoulder season. Events must be aligned with and support the Maine Office of Tourism.
Funding Information
Special Event Marketing Grant applications are accepted for a minimum amount of $30,000 and a maximum amount of $60,000.
Grant Period
Contract terms may extend to 12 months, based on project needs.
Eligible Projects
- Paid Advertising: Print, broadcast, digital display, paid search, paid social media, sponsored/native content promoting visitor experiences
- Public & Media Relations: Media FAM tours, press outreach/hosting, press kits
- Website Enhancements: SEO, mobile optimization, accessibility, UX improvements, visitor-focused content updates
- Marketing Asset Development: Professional photography, video production, campaign creative, and storytelling.
- Visitor Fulfillment & Distribution: Visitor guides, brochures, maps, travel itineraries, targeted distribution.
- Event Management/Administration: Up to 20% of the total MTMPP award may be allocated to event management or administrative expenses. These costs must be clearly identified as a separate line item in the project budget and may not be included within other budget categories.
Eligibility Criteria
Maine municipalities, tribal governments, and Maine-based nonprofits (501(c)(3), 501(c)(6), and L3C organizations) may apply. For-profit businesses are not eligible to apply.
For more information, visit MOT.
