Amherst Cultural Council
The Amherst Cultural Council allocates state Arts Lottery funds, but it is directed to support and nurture arts activities in the community by seeking private or other public funds and initiatives.
Contact
William Murry - Co-Chair / Cody Rooney - Co-Chair
[email protected]
413-259-3002
Address
4 Boltwood Avenue
Amherst, MA 01002-2302
Connect on Social
Facebook
Instagram
Application Information
FY27 Allocation
$58,100
FY27 Local Priorities
In addition to the state criteria applications will be evaluated using the following review criteria:
• How well the program meets our local priorities
• Community support and involvement
• Evidence of track record and dedication of the applicant
• Ability to address the diverse cultural needs of a community’s underserved populations or support diverse forms of cultural activities
• Financial need
• Demonstrated planning through support letters from host agencies and/or venues as part of the application packet
• Specific location, date, and times for the event(s)
FY27 Local Guidelines
When reviewing applications, the council evaluates projects based on four core criteria:
• Quality, Originality, and Creativity: The artistic, scientific, or humanistic merit and innovation of the proposed project. Also, does the presenter/host live in Amherst?
• Community Impact and Priorities: Direct engagement with targeted community needs, identity groups, and local underserved populations.
• Accessibility and Benefit: How openly accessible the program is to Amherst residents and the wider regional public.
• Planning and Budgeting: The organizational feasibility, clear timeline, support letter(s) from host organization(s), and financial soundness of the proposal.
Funding Focus Areas
• Equity and Inclusion: Prioritizing projects for and by historically underrepresented or marginalized groups, such as low-income residents and BIPOC creators.
• Youth and Education: Allocating a significant share of resources toward school field trips, after-school youth programming, and family-friendly educational events.
• Public Festivals and Gatherings: Supporting participatory community traditions like local music series, cultural heritage celebrations, and town-wide public festivals.
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.