https://www.mass-culture.org/ and click on Applicants. Here you can find info on the program guidelines including eligibility and criteria. You can also easily search for your own LCC by city/town name. For example, the page below comes up when you click on the town of Lee.
Note the contact info for the council as well as several folder tabs. Check the Local Guidelines tabs to find info related to your specific council, like how many copies of the application is required. Another great source is the Grant Recipients tab, which identifies the grant recipients and amounts awarded by your LCC in the previous year. Lastly, click the Forms tab to download the application form.
This is where the bulk of the effort comes in although it should take you no more than an hour to complete it. Describe your project in the spaces provided including target audience, public benefit and artist qualifications. There is space for you to identify the project expenses and income. In preparing your funding request, it helps to be mindful of the types of projects and amounts previously awarded by your LCC.
Lastly, be aware of the October 15 deadline which most LCC's adhere to so be sure to send in your application in time. Some LCC's invite grant recipients to attend a community meeting during the evaluation process to describe your project to the council. I encourage you to do this because it is usually a very informal setting and applicants are often asked to restrict their presentation to 10 minutes or so. It is also a great way for you to promote your project and engage council members, other artists and any interested community members who attend.
So, if you think you have a worthwhile arts project that can benefit your community, check out your LCC and submit a grant. It's easy and you might just get that special project funded!
