In Maryland, several organizations and agencies offer grants and funding opportunities to support tourism-related initiatives, events, and projects that promote the state as a destination for visitors. These grants aim to enhance tourism experiences, boost economic development, and showcase Maryland’s attractions, heritage, and cultural offerings. Here are some potential sources of tourism grants in Maryland:
- Maryland Department of Commerce – Office of Tourism Development:
- The Maryland Office of Tourism Development offers grants and funding opportunities to support tourism promotion, marketing campaigns, and destination enhancement projects across the state. These grants may fund tourism infrastructure improvements, cultural heritage initiatives, and events that attract visitors to Maryland.
- Maryland Heritage Areas Authority (MHAA):
- MHAA administers grant programs to support heritage tourism projects, historic preservation efforts, and cultural tourism initiatives in Maryland’s heritage areas. These grants may fund interpretation projects, heritage tourism planning, and marketing programs that highlight Maryland’s history and cultural heritage.
- Local Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs):
- DMOs and tourism promotion agencies at the county and municipal levels in Maryland may offer grants and funding opportunities to support destination marketing campaigns, visitor services, and tourism development initiatives within their jurisdictions.
- Arts and Culture Grants:
- Arts councils, cultural organizations, and local arts agencies in Maryland may offer grants to support arts and cultural events, festivals, and programs that contribute to the visitor experience and attract tourists to the state.
- Historic Preservation Grants:
- Organizations focused on historic preservation in Maryland may offer grants to support the restoration, rehabilitation, and interpretation of historic sites and landmarks that have tourism potential and contribute to the state’s cultural heritage.
- Community Development Block Grants (CDBG):
- Local governments in Maryland may receive CDBG funding from the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) to support community development projects, including tourism infrastructure improvements and downtown revitalization efforts that benefit tourists and residents alike.
- Arts and Entertainment Districts (AEDs):
- AEDs in Maryland may offer grants and funding opportunities to support arts and cultural activities, public art installations, and events that attract visitors to designated arts and entertainment districts.
- Main Street Maryland Program:
- Main Street Maryland, a program of the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), offers grants and technical assistance to support downtown revitalization efforts, streetscape improvements, and tourism-related initiatives in designated Main Street communities.
- Federal Grants and Programs:
- Maryland may receive federal grants and funding through programs offered by agencies such as the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), and the National Park Service (NPS) that support cultural tourism, historic preservation, and arts-related initiatives.
- Corporate and Private Sector Partnerships:
- Corporations, businesses, and private sector entities in Maryland may offer grants, sponsorships, or in-kind support to support tourism promotion, events, and initiatives that align with their corporate social responsibility goals and marketing objectives.
When seeking tourism grants in Maryland, organizations should carefully research each funding opportunity, review eligibility criteria, and application requirements. Additionally, they should consider collaborating with other stakeholders, local partners, and community organizations to develop competitive grant proposals and leverage resources to promote tourism and economic development in Maryland.