Maine Office of Tourism announces Maine Tourism Marketing Partnership Program grants
AUGUSTA — The Maine Office of Tourism has announced grant awards totaling more than $450,000 to 20 Maine organizations in the second cycle of its Fiscal Year 2026 Maine Tourism Marketing Partnership Program. The program supports Maine’s tourism-related organizations and communities in their efforts to promote the state as a travel destination through innovative marketing campaigns and collaborative projects that advance statewide tourism priorities while nurturing the unique local places that tell iconic Maine stories.
The Enterprise Marketing Grant supports tourism marketing initiatives that will increase visitation to the applying destination. The primary goal of the Enterprise Marketing Grant is to support marketing efforts that help organizations achieve sustainable growth and contribute to the overall advancement of Maine’s tourism economy.
Recipients include the Appalachian Mountain Club, $20,000 for targeted outdoor recreation-focused social media ad campaign; and Eastern Maine Development Corp., $21,000 for content development/social media campaign.
The Maine Communities Grant program supports tourism-focused, community-oriented marketing projects and events.
Recipients include the Center Theatre in Dover-Foxcroft, $5,000 for Maine Whoopie Pie Festival maps and social media advertisements.
Through its Maine Tourism Marketing Partnership Program awards, MOT aims to boost economic vitality, preserve Maine’s unique character and encourage collaboration to ensure regional sustainability. Grants are awarded in three categories to meet Maine organizations’ tourism attraction goals, which reflect a range of opportunities at the local, regional and national level.
A list of all grant recipients awarded funding in Fiscal Year 2026 Cycle 2 is available at https://live-motpartners-com.pantheonsite.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Approved-Funding-Request-FY-26-Cycle-2.pdf. Additional grant information can be found at https://motpartners.com/engagement-hub/grants-funding/.
“We are excited to award grant funding to support local organizations and Maine communities who work diligently and collaboratively to ensure a memorable, high-quality experience for our visitors,” said Hannah Collins, deputy director of the Maine Office of Tourism.
The funded projects in this cycle represent a variety of Maine assets, from historical activities aligning with America’s 250th anniversary to hiking destinations and arts attractions.
“Maine’s tourism industry relies on partnerships at the local, regional, and state levels, and the Maine Tourism Marketing Partnership Program exemplifies how a collaborative approach strengthens the Maine brand and delivers economic benefits to local communities,” said Carolann Ouellette, Maine’s director of tourism, film, and outdoor recreation.
More information regarding MOT grant programs is available at MOTpartners.com.
The Maine Office of Tourism is a state agency within the Department of Economic and Community Development whose mission is to market the state in ways that work to preserve and celebrate the authentic character of Maine and foster collaboration to pursue economic vitality.