Special Event Grant

Special Event Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Maine Office of Tourism
Amount: US $30,000 - US $60,000
Last Updated: October 06, 2025

Summary

The Special Event Grant, provided by the Maine Office of Tourism, aims to enhance the state's tourism economy by funding established events that attract new audiences and increase overnight stays. Grants range from $30,000 to $60,000, with two awards issued each fiscal year. Eligible applicants include Maine municipalities and 501C3 or C6 organizations, focusing on tourism projects that draw visitors from at least fifty miles away, promoting Maine's brand during the shoulder season.

Overview

Background 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 Event Grant The intent of the Special Event Grant is to provide marketing funds to existing, well-established events for the expansion of progression of marketing strategies to attract new audiences, increase overnight visitation and length of stay. Special Events have the ability to 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. Two Special Event Grants are awarded each fiscal year (one award per cycle) for a minimum amount of $30,000 and a maximum amount of $60,000

Eligibility

We've imported the main document for this grant to give you an overview. You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Organizations must create an online account 14 days prior to the grant deadline. If you have previously registered for an account, you must log-in to update your account 14-days prior.Organizations applying for funding must be a Maine municipality, tribal government, or Maine-based 501C3 or C6 or L3C.Projects must be tourism focused by attracting individuals residing fifty miles or more from the destination.Events applying for this grant may not occur within 90 days of the grant start date (First Cycle: July 1st).Organizations must be in good standing as of application deadline with the Secretary of State (not applicable for municipalities).A previous unsatisfactory grant history, for any reason, could immediately disqualify a grant application.A 25% cash match is required. ELIGIBLE PROJECTS:Paid Advertising - Print, Broadcast, Digital, Out-of-Home, Paid Social MediaPublic & Media Relations - Familiarization Tours, Media Events, Online Press RoomExisting Website Upgrades - Mobilization, Content, Search Engine OptimizationAsset Development - Photography/Video AcquisitionFulfillment - Brochures, Guides, Maps & DistributionEvent Management/Administration - No more than 20% of total MTMPP funds can be used for administrative expenses. Administrative expenses may not be built into any other section of the grant, and must be clearly explained in event budget.All invoicing to the MOT will be paid on a reimbursement only basis.

Ineligibility

Organizations previously awarded MTMPP grant funding may not apply for a period of 12 months after the completion of their previous MTMPP Final Grant Report.INELIGIBLE PROJECTS:Performances & ExhibitionsProfessional development conferences & trainingPromotional products – tents, banners, t-shirts, costumes, stickers, etc.New organizational websites, hostingFundraising (raffles, giveaways, contests)Capital equipment, including rental equipment such as fencing, tents, stages, etc.Scholarships