Falmouth Cultural Council

MCC Funding Criteria

The MCC requires that projects have a public benefit: Activities must contribute to the cultural vitality of the community rather than benefiting any private individual or group. Whenever possible, activities funded by Local Cultural Councils should be available to the public or community by exhibit, performance, demonstration, reading, or other means, whether in-person or via virtual and remote programming.

The MCC also requires that projects not discriminate on the basis of age, ability, ethnicity, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, nationality, geographic origin, or immigration, military, or socio-economic status. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that persons with disabilities have access to public programs or services on an equal basis with the rest of the public.

The Falmouth Cultural Council mission is to promote excellence, inclusion, education, and diversity in the arts, humanities, and interpretive sciences in order to foster a rich cultural life, and contribute to the economic vitality of our community. The FY2026 funding priorities were formulated from extensive outreach to the Falmouth community through an in-person and online survey.

In addition to grant application information and this year’s local guidelines and funding priorities, there is information on requirements for managing Direct Grant awards; tips on promoting grant projects; and a calendar of events at: https://www.falmouthculturalcouncil.org/

Contact

Alice Kociemba
[email protected]
508-548-7611

Address
Town Hall
59 Town Hall Square
Falmouth, MA 02540-2761

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Application Information

FY27 Allocation

$8,900

FY27 Local Priorities

Benefit to Falmouth should be clear

Preference is given to applicants from Falmouth individuals and organizations and it is preferred that events take place in any or all of the villages of Falmouth

Free or low-cost events ($5 – $15 pp., children and students, free) are the top priority expressed by the community over the past five years

New events and first-time applicants are encouraged to apply

Programs that elevate the voices and experiences of historically marginalized groups to highlight the current and historical diversity of Falmouth. Programs that support the diverse cultural needs of community members, such as, but not limited to: BIPOC, people living with a disability, LGBTQ+, and non-English speaking community members.

Projects should include prior approval of a named ADA compliant venue, along with a letter of support

Projects should present a realistic and detailed budget that shows that the project is feasible. Other sources of funding for the project should be identified if the cost of the project exceeds the grant award

All project ideas in the arts, humanities and sciences are welcome. Project description must specify how the project fits into the above categories*

*As it relates to this program, Mass Cultural Council uses the following definitions:

THE ARTS are the creation of work in the crafts and performing, visual, media, folk, design, literary, and interdisciplinary arts. They also include the presentation and preservation of, and education about, works in these disciplines.

THE HUMANITIES are types of learning that deal with human values and aspirations, human thought and culture, language, and creativity. Examples include, but are not limited to, history, social studies, philosophy, criticism, and literature.

THE SCIENCES are limited to the cultural, interpretive, and educational expression of science and refers to types of learning that deal with nature, science, and technology in ways that explain how they relate to people’s lives. Some organizations that conduct this type of activity include aquariums, botanical gardens, nature centers, natural history museums, planetariums, and science centers.

FY27 Local Guidelines

Grant awards will typically be within a range of $250 – $1,000 per application

Only one application will be considered from each applicant

Applications will be evaluated to ensure a broad range of arts and cultural activities will be offered. (For example, the range includes dance, music, film, festivals, theater, visual art, comedy, poetry, storytelling, literature, environmental science & nature programs, local history, and other types of projects)

Applicants must credit the Falmouth Cultural Council as the local agency of the Mass Cultural Council on promotional materials and websites

Final Reports must be submitted two weeks after the project is completed, with one reminder email, or the applicant is ineligible for consideration for the next grant cycle.

Any changes in an approved application must be submitted in writing to the council’s email address. The council will respond to the request to modify an approved application after its next meeting

How Grant Recipients Are Paid

Direct Grants

FY27 Funding List

A grant list will be published here after January 15, 2027 and once the Local Cultural Council has finalized their decisions.