State Destination Development Capital Grant to Support Tourism

03:52PM / Sunday, April 28, 2024Print Story | Email Story

BOSTON, Mass. — The Executive Office of Economic Development (EOED) and the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT) have announced the Destination Development Capital (DDC) Grant program for fiscal year 2025.

Destination Development Grants are included in the economic development plan, "The Mass Leads Act: An Act Relative to Strengthening Massachusetts' Economic Leadership," as a strategy to support critical capital improvements at tourism assets across Massachusetts.

The FY25 DDC grant program is anticipated to be funded at up to $5 million through the Capital Budget. The competitive grant program will award funds to strengthen the economy of Massachusetts through destination development projects that enhance tourism sustainability and have the potential to increase non-resident visitation. Preference will be given to projects related to climate resiliency, rural communities, cultural districts, and the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.

"Massachusetts is a top travel destination with a diverse array of attractions, including remarkable historical landmarks, beautiful national parks, and vibrant communities," said Governor Maura Healey. "Through the DDC grant program, we're dedicated to enhancing our tourism and cultural sectors, aiming to attract more visitors from across the country and the world to experience all that Massachusetts has to offer for years to come."

Eligible projects will enhance tourism resources and infrastructure. Applications will be accepted for projects that include plans to expand, construct, restore or renovate Massachusetts tourism destinations and attractions. Applicants must demonstrate how the tourism capital project will work to promote the tourism goals of the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism and the Regional Tourism Councils. DDC grants are focused on capital improvements with a direct relationship to tourism, and other physical/structural items with a greater than five-year lifespan. All projects must be completed by June 30, 2025.

Any public agency, municipality, or nonprofit organization incorporated in Massachusetts with 501(c)3, 501(c)5, 501(c)6, status from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that does one of the following are eligible to apply: Produces, promotes, or presents tourism attractions and activities for the public; Provides public access to physical collections and exhibits for tourists and meets other eligibility criteria can apply.

The FY25 Destination Development Grant Program opened on April 22, 2024, with applications due May 31, 2024. Applications must be submitted through MOTT's Online Application Portal. Grant awards are anticipated to be announced in June 2024.

DDC guidelines and information is available at visitma.com. An informational session about DDC Grants will be held via Zoom on Wednesday, May 1, at 10 a.m. To register, contact Marc Zappulla, Marc.Zappulla@mass.gov.

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Pittsfield Housing Project Adds 37 Supportive Units and Collective Hope

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
05:01PM / Monday, December 29, 2025

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— A new chapter in local efforts to combat housing insecurity officially began as community leaders and residents gathered at The First on to celebrate a major expansion of supportive housing in the city.

The ribbon was cut on Thursday Dec. 19, on nearly 40 supportive permanent housing units; nine at The First, located within the Zion Lutheran Church, and 28 on West Housatonic Street. The Housing Resource Center, funded by Pittsfield's American Rescue Plan Act dollars, hosted a celebration for a project that is named for its rarity: The First.

"What got us here today is the power of community working in partnership and with a shared purpose," Hearthway CEO Eileen Peltier said.

In addition to the 28 studio units at 111 West Housatonic Street and nine units in the rear of the church building, the Housing Resource Center will be open seven days a week with two lounges, a classroom, a laundry room, a bathroom, and lockers.

Erin Forbush, ServiceNet's director of shelter and housing, challenged attendees to transform the space in the basement of Zion Lutheran Church into a community center. It is planned to operate from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. year-round.

"I get calls from folks that want to help out, and our shelters just aren't the right spaces to be able to do that. The First will be that space that we can all come together and work for the betterment of our community," Forbush said.

"…I am a true believer that things evolve, and things here will evolve with the people that are utilizing it."

Earlier that day, Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Ed Augustus joined Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll and her team in Housatonic to announce $33.5 million in federal Community Development Block Grant funding, $5.45 million to Berkshire County.

He said it was ambitious to take on these two projects at once, but it will move the needle. The EOHLC contributed more than $7.8 million in subsidies and $3.4 million in low-income housing tax credit equity for the West Housatonic Street build, and $1.6 million in ARPA funds for the First Street apartments.

"We're trying to get people out of shelter and off the streets, but we know there are a lot of people who are couch surfing, who are living in their cars, who are one paycheck away from being homeless themselves," Augustus said.

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