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Frequently Asked Questions
The questions (and answers) in this section focus mainly on
the grant review process.
For questions about a Local Cultural Council grant that
you have already received, contact the LCC who awarded the
grant. A list of LCC contact information is available online.
What is the Local Cultural Council Program?
The Local Cultural Council Program, administered at the state
level by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, provides state
funds to cities and towns to regrant at a local level. Municipally-appointed
volunteers meet and decide how to distribute the money to
projects in the arts, humanities and interpretive sciences.
While the majority of towns and cities have their own local
cultural councils, there are several regional councils made
up of members from two or more communities. Every area of
Massachusetts is directly served by an LCC.
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How do I get an application form?
Both the LCC application form (word and PDF)
and PASS application form are
available on-line. Forms are also available locally from the chair of
your community's LCC. In some communities, these forms may be picked up
at the local town or city hall, public library or the senior center.
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How do I apply?
You need to send in your application form to the LCC by the
October deadline. While all LCCs use the same basic application
forms, some may require additional information from their
applicants. It's a good idea to speak with the chair of the
LCC in the towns where you plan to apply. The chair can provide
information about where applications must be sent and explain
any local requirements (for example, multiple copies of applications
or interviews with applicants). It's up to the applicant to
research each LCC before sending an application.
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What is the deadline
to apply to a local cultural council?
This year, the deadline to apply to LCCs is October 15.
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Can I apply to more than one LCC?
An applicant may apply to any number of LCCs. If you do apply
to more than one LCC for the same project, it is important
that you indicate the amount you requested from the other
LCC on the appropriate budget line. Some LCCs have guidelines
regarding requests from applicants from other communities.
Applicants should find out about any local guidelines before
applying.
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What are the different types of applications
LCCs review?
There are two kinds of applications that local cultural councils
review from applicants: standard LCC applications, which can
cover a broad range of cultural activities, and PASS applications,
which are used to request money for K-12 students' field trips
to cultural performances. More information about the PASS Program.
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How do I find out if I received a
grant?
LCCs will send preliminary notification to all applicants shortly after
they vote on grants. Disapproved applicants are notified first to allow
for the reconsideration process.
Approved applicants generally receive letters from LCCs in December or
January. Final approval from the state is given in March/April and money
is available to reimburse applicants in April. Please note that funds
may be transferred to local accounts before April in some communities.
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What is reconsideration?
An applicant whose request was not approved for funding by
an LCC may request that the council review the application
again if the applicant can demonstrate that the LCC failed
to follow published local or state review procedures. Disapproved
applicants have two weeks after the notification letters are
mailed out to request reconsideration by the LCC. Please note
that even if the reconsideration request is granted, the application
may again be disapproved. Additionally, reconsideration requests
may not be made on the basis of dissatisfaction with the amount
awarded or disagreement with decisions made on the basis of
artistic quality.
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When and how do I get my grant money?
The LCC Program is designed to reimburse an applicant for
the award amount once the project has occurred, or the money
has been spent on the project. Grantees indicate that this
has happened on a reimbursement
form (pdf) that is sent with the award letter. Please
check with the chair or treasurer of the LCC from which you
received a grant for information on local reimbursement requirements,
as this process may vary from community to community.
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Where can I get more information
about applying to the LCC Program?
Please see our Tips for Applicants section
for additional hints on applying for LCC grants. For general information
about the LCC Program, consult the LCC Program
Regulations and Guidelines (PDF). For information about a specific
local cultural council, you should contact that LCC. A list of LCC
contact information is available online.
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How do I credit my Local Cultural Council and the MCC for my LCC grant or PASS grant?
As a recipient of public funds, we ask for your assistance in acknowledging
this support publicly. Credit requirements differ for LCC and PASS grants.
If you received an LCC grant, please use the Credit
& Publicity Kit for LCC Grant Recipients. If you received a PASS grant,
please use the Credit
& Publicity Kit for PASS Grant Recipients.
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