Local Cultural Council Program

Opens: September 1, 2026
Deadline: October 15, 2026
Every community in Massachusetts is served by a Local Cultural Council (LCC), led by municipally appointed volunteers who administer an annual grant program to support local cultural projects. Individuals, groups, and organizations may apply. Grant amounts vary, and applications are submitted directly to each LCC.

Tribal Cultural Council Program

Photo detail of a pair of hands weaving many strands of white, red, yellow, and black into a traditional twined sash.

Opens: September 1, 2026
Deadline: October 15, 2026
Led by tribally appointed volunteers who administer an annual grant program to support local cultural projects. Individuals, groups, and organizations may apply. Grant amounts vary, and applications are submitted directly to each Tribal Cultural Council.

Grants for Creative Individuals

photo of a woman twirling fire on a beach at dusk

Opens: September 10, 2026
Deadline: October 27, 2026
This program aims to equitably advance creative expression throughout the Commonwealth with unrestricted grants to Massachusetts artists, culture bearers, and creative individuals. Grants are $5,000.

Cultural Facilities Fund

Opens: October 8, 2026
Deadline: December 10, 2026
Grants to support the acquisition, design, repair, rehabilitation, renovation, expansion, or construction of cultural facilities. Nonprofit cultural organizations, municipalities, and colleges or universities that own or lease cultural facilities are eligible to apply. Grants range from $7,000 to $200,000. Managed in partnership with MassDevelopment.

Gaming Mitigation Fund

photo of 7 singers and musicians seated on a stage performing, the lighting is dim and dramatic

Opens: December 1, 2026
Deadline: January 14, 2027
Grants to Massachusetts nonprofit and municipal performing arts centers to spend on touring shows or touring artist fees. Grants start at $6,000.

Operating Grants for Organizations

Three disabled and non-disabled dancers perform on a white outdoor stage, which opens up to a majestic background of trees, rolling hills and sky. In energetic unison, the three dancers curl into a ball, with lower limbs raised and upper limbs wrapped protectively around their heads. David and Zara balance on their tailbones, and Janpi balances in a one-handed wheelie in their wheelchair. All three dancers wear royal blue knit cropped shirts and matching pants.

Opens: February 4, 2027
Deadline: April 1, 2027
Unrestricted general operating grants for Massachusetts-based nonprofit cultural organizations with year-round operations offering public programming in the arts, humanities, or sciences. Grants start at $6,000.

Creative Experiences

photo at twilight of people standing in a green field watching a performance, a row of black vendor tents is in the background.

Opens: March 2, 2027
Deadline: May 4, 2027
Grants to organizations and schools to fund festivals, projects, residencies, and other cultural activities in the arts, humanities, and sciences. Grants are $2,500 or $5,000.

Programs At-a-Glance