Cover photo by Creative Collective for Salem Jazz and Soul Festival
The Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) operates a network of local cultural councils across the Commonwealth. These councils award funds to support community-based arts, humanities, and interpretive sciences activities. The program aims to promote and support cultural projects that benefit local communities.
Important Note: While this guide focuses on the cultural councils in Beverly, Lynn, Salem, and Peabody, it’s crucial to understand that there are Local Cultural Councils in many other communities throughout Massachusetts. Each city or town may have its own cultural council with specific guidelines and priorities.
To find information about cultural councils in other communities, please visit the Mass Cultural Council website at http://www.mass-culture.org/lcc_public.aspx. There, you can search for your local cultural council and access its specific guidelines, priorities, and contact information.
Application Process and Eligibility
Key Dates
- Application Opening: September 1, 2024
- Application Deadline: October 16, 2024 at 11:59pm (ET)
- Project Timeline: Generally between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025 (check specific LCC guidelines)
Eligibility
Applicants must reside or be located in Massachusetts. Eligible applicants include:
- Individuals (must show public benefit)
- Nonprofit organizations
- Unincorporated associations with a nonprofit objective
- For-profit organizations (must demonstrate public benefit)
- Public schools, libraries, and municipal agencies
- Religious organizations (for non-religious, public benefit projects)
Application Tips
- Review the specific priorities and guidelines for each LCC
- Use the online application system (paper applications not accepted)
- Prepare all required supplemental materials as specified by the LCC
- Demonstrate how your project benefits the local community
- Consider accessibility and inclusivity in your project planning
Funding Information
- LCCs can fund both project-based and operating support
- Virtual programs are eligible for funding
- Applicants can apply to multiple LCCs if the project benefits multiple communities
- There’s no conflict with receiving direct funding from Mass Cultural Council
Post-Award Process
- Grant decisions are typically announced in mid-January
- Fund distribution methods vary:
- Direct Granting LCCs: Payment upon completion of grant agreement package
- Reimbursement-based LCCs: Grantees spend first, then request reimbursement
- Grantees must submit a brief final report after program completion
Specific LCC Information
Beverly Cultural Council
- FY25 Allocation: $24,600
- Contact: Brenda Murphy (Chair), Chelsea Turner (Secretary)
- Email: beverlyculturalcouncil@gmail.com
- Address: City Hall, 191 Cabot Street, Beverly, MA 01915-5849
- Key Points:
- Will not fund applicants more than 3 years in a row
- Grant awards typically range from $250 to $1,500
- Holds informational meeting for applicants (September 18, 2024)
Lynn Cultural Council
- FY25 Allocation: $103,600
- Contact: Sunil Gulab (Administrator)
- Email: lynnculturalcouncil@gmail.com
- Phone: 781-598-4000
- Address: 3 City Hall Square, Lynn, MA 01901-1052
- Key Points:
- Prioritizes collaborations with multiple Lynn organizations
- Focus on DEIA populations and youth opportunities
- Emphasis on education about Arts, Humanities, and Sciences
Salem Cultural Council
- FY25 Allocation: $30,700
- Contact: John Newhall
- Email: salemculturalcouncil@salem.com
- Phone: 617-555-5555
- Address: 93 Washington Street, Salem, MA 01970-3528
- Key Points:
- Prioritizes local applicants and programs
- Seeks projects that serve and inspire the Salem community
- All funded projects must be completed within the calendar year (2025)
Peabody Cultural Council
- FY25 Allocation: $32,600
- Contact: Lisa Greene
- Email: lisa.greene@peabody-ma.gov
- Phone: 978-538-5777
- Address: 24 Lowell Street, Peabody, MA 01960-5446
- Key Points:
- Supports various branches of arts: visual, plastic, performing, and literary
- Prioritizes projects encouraging community participation in the arts
- Considers applications for scholarships for cultural-related endeavors
Additional Resources
- MCC Website: http://www.mass-culture.org/lcc_public.aspx
- Virtual Programming Resources:
- Reimagining public programs webinar
- Festivals Toolkit
- Inclusive virtual programming conversation
- Accessibility Resources:
- NEA’s Accessibility Planning and Resource Guide for Cultural Administrators
- Commonwealth resources for requesting ASL interpreters
FAQ
- Q: Can LCCs fund operating support? A: Yes, LCCs can fund operating support for various organizational needs.
- Q: Do I need a fiscal agent to receive an LCC grant? A: Fiscal agents are not required for LCC grants.
- Q: How do I know if my application has been successfully submitted? A: You’ll see a “congratulations” message and receive a confirmation email with a PDF of your application.
- Q: Can LCC funds be used to purchase food? A: Yes, except alcohol. Check specific LCC guidelines for any additional restrictions.
- Q: Is there oversight of LCCs? A: Yes, there is oversight, but grant decisions are at the discretion of each LCC.
For any additional questions, contact your local LCC directly or refer to the Mass Cultural Council website.
