The Maine Tourism Association and Poland Spring® 100% Natural Spring Water, part of the Nestlé Waters family, today announced the official launch of “The Maine Tourism Relief Fund, Founded by Poland Spring and the Maine Tourism Association.” Thanks to a generous donation of $100,000 by Poland Spring and the work of the Maine Tourism Association, one-time grants will be made available to Maine’s tourism businesses and employees who have been impacted by a loss of business, or decrease in income, due to the COVID-19 crisis. 
 
100% of the money donated to the Maine Tourism Relief Fund Founded by Poland Spring and the Maine Tourism Association will be given directly to fund recipients.
 
In addition to Poland Spring, contributors to the fund include Experience Maine and Bissell Brothers Brewing. The latter two companies are selling Maine-made products, a portion of the proceeds of which will be donated to the fund. Links to these products can be found on the Maine Tourism Relief Fund website. 
 
Subject to the availability of funds, a one-time grant of $500 for individuals or $1,000 for businesses with fewer than 50 employees will be disbursed directly to the applicant following the review and confirmation of eligibility, within approximately seven (7) days of the closing of the application process. Awards will be limited to one grant per household. The application period will be open from Monday, May 4 through Friday May 8. Eligible applicants will be chosen based on a lottery system. It is not a first-come, first-serve so applicants have plenty of time to gather the necessary documents and complete the application form.  
 
More details, including the application form and information on how to donate to the fund to help Maine tourism businesses can be found on the MTA's website.