Apply for a FY25 Massachusetts 250 Grant

The Application Period for this grant has closed.

Request For Responses (RFR) Guidelines And Application Information

RFR RELEASE DATE: Wednesday, July 24, 2024

ONLINE APPLICATION DEADLINE: Monday, August 26 at 3 p.m.

Online applications only. Hard copies or electronic copies will not be considered. Applications must include all required documentation by the program deadline.

Overview

The Executive Office of Economic Development (EOED) through the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT) is committed to supporting programming around the Semiquincentennial of the American Revolution in Massachusetts in 2025 and 2026. The FY25 Massachusetts 250 Grant Program is a competitive grant program that will award funds to support programming and interpretation that tell the stories of the American Revolution in Massachusetts and will increase tourism and travel to and within Massachusetts.

Eligible projects will have a direct connection to the American Revolution in Massachusetts, connect to historic themes of revolution and independence, and/or celebrate the significant firsts in Massachusetts history that make the state special. Grant funds can be used for programming and marketing. The grant process opens on July 24, 2024 with applications due August 26, 2024. Grant awards are anticipated to be announced in September, 2024, subject to appropriation.

MOTT hosted a MA250 Grant informational webinar on Tuesday, August 6, 2024. Download the Slides. Download the Frequently Asked Questions document.

The Massachusetts 250 (MA250) Grant Program anticipates awarding up to $1,500,000 in FY25, subject to funding availability.

The grant process opens on July 24, 2024, with applications due August 26, 2024, at 3 p.m. Any applicants experiencing technical difficulties must alert MOTT by 12 p.m. on Friday, August 23, 2024.

Grant awards are anticipated to be announced in September 2024, subject to appropriation.

Grant funds must be spent by June 30, 2025.

Applicant Eligibility

• Any municipality, public agency, tribal entity, or nonprofit organization (501(c)3, 501(c)5, or 501(c)6) which is operating in Massachusetts.
• Must be in good standing with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts;
• Municipal applicants must be in compliance with MBTA Communities Act (Section 3A of MGL c. 40A), if applicable/required, to be eligible for funding
• Must be current on all taxes due through December 31, 2022; and
• Have active and valid state licenses/registrations, if applicable
• Applications must be complete and include all required documentation and be submitted through the online portal, by the deadline, in order to be considered.

Ineligible Organizations:

1. For-profit organizations
2. Any organization whose sole or primary purpose is to fundraise
3. Public colleges and universities
4. Organizations not located in Massachusetts

Grant Amounts and Distribution

$5,000 - $100,000

Applicants must demonstrate how the project will increase domestic and/or international leisure travel to and within Massachusetts.

Types of Grants and Project Eligibility

Eligible projects will have a direct connection to the American Revolution in Massachusetts, connect to historic themes of revolution and independence, celebrate the significant firsts in Massachusetts history that make the state special, and/or take a creative or innovative approach to commemorating or celebrating the nation’s semiquincentennial. Grant funds can be used for programming and marketing.

Ineligible expenses

Ineligible expenses include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Expenses incurred or obligated prior to or after the funding project period
2. Annual operating expenditures or overhead expenditures (e.g. rent, utilities, etc.)
3. Salaries, bonuses, or fringe benefits of personnel not directly related to the project. No more than 10% of the grant may be spent on administrative or marketing salaries.
4. Prize money, gift cards, scholarships, awards, plaques, T-shirts, uniforms or certificates; entertainment expenses including food, beverages including alcohol, cannabis or tobacco
5. Legal fees, insurance/liability insurances and/or membership fees
6. Mini-grants or reallocation to other organizations
7. Any expenses not related to the described grant project

Review Criteria

Applications will be reviewed by the strength of the following criteria and financial need:

Vision And Clarity (25%)

• Clearly shows the scope and vision of the project and how the MA250 grant will continue that vision.
• Demonstrates the value of the project within the community and can clearly articulate what the project is trying to achieve.
• Articulates outcomes and deliverables of the project.
• Describe how the project relates to the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution.

Economic Impact (40%)

• Shows how the success (e.g. visitation, economic, and/or financial) of the project will be measured
• Clearly articulates the impact on the tourism economy.
• Shows a clear target area of focus within the tourism sector with metrics and background.
• Articulates why tourists would choose this destination.

Alignment & Partnerships (15%)

• Clearly shows how the project is consistent with community plans around economic development in the tourism industry.
• Describes involvement and support of relevant stakeholders
• Leverages public dollars with private funding, maximum public/private funding ratio

Ability To Execute (20%)

• Clarity of the budget and matching funds (matching funds are not required)
• Appropriateness of the timeline, including that it will be ready in time for 250th commemorations
• Permissions, permits, and internal support are in place

Letters of Support

Each application must include three different letters of support on official letterhead. One from a civic or business leader, one from a state and/or municipal official, and one from an area tourism business owner. These must be scanned into one document and submitted through the online portal by the grant deadline. Letters submitted after the deadline and letters that are identical in wording will not be considered.

Awards Process

Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT) staff will review all complete, eligible proposals submitted by August 26, 2024, at 3 p.m. Any applicants experiencing technical difficulties must alert MOTT by 12 p.m. on Friday, August 23, 2024. MOTT will award and disburse grants based upon criteria outlined above in consultation with EOED and subject to appropriation. Grant funds are disbursed on a cost-reimbursement basis. Organizations that are awarded a Massachusetts 250 grant are encouraged to support diversity, equity, and inclusion. Please see the Commonwealth’s Directory of Certified Businesses to find minority and women business enterprises.

Final Accomplishment Report and Final Spending Report

Grant funds must be spent by June 30, 2025, unless an extension is requested and approved by MOTT. Extension requests must be submitted to MOTT by April 1, 2025. The Final Accomplishment Report and Final Spending Report formats will be included with contract documents. For the Final Spending Report, copies of original vendor invoices showing the actual grant costs incurred, the check number, and date of the check corresponding to the invoices must be submitted.

Final Report is due by July 31, 2025

Questions

Kate Fox

MOTT Executive Director

kate.fox@mass.gov

Sheila Green

MA250 Coordinator, MOTT

sheila.green@mass.gov