Advocacy Ideas for First-Time Grantees

Congratulations on receiving your first Mass Cultural Council grant!

Public dollars make up most of Mass Cultural Council’s budget so help us celebrate that investment in you by:

1. Sharing Your Good News in Social Media

We’ve created a first-time grantee graphic for you to share in your social media channels. Be sure to tag us (@MassCultural) and your state legislators, and use the hashtag #PowerofCulture!

2. Writing to Thank Your State Senator & Representative

Here’s sample text for a written note you might send your state legislators to thank them for believing in your work.

Dear Senator/Representative [Name]:

[Organization Name] just received exciting news — our application for a [Name of Grant Program] award from Mass Cultural Council was successful! This is our first-ever grant from the state arts agency, and we are thrilled to receive this public investment.

We know Mass Cultural Council is primarily funded through the annual state budget, and it is because of the support you and your colleagues provide during the budget building process that the agency is able to invest in cultural organizations like ours.

Thank you for supporting Mass Cultural Council, because they are now, in turn, supporting us.

Please let me know if you would ever like to visit [Organization Name] — we would be pleased to have you!

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title and Organization]

3. Registering for an Upcoming Mass Cultural Council Event

We host convenings and events throughout the year. These gatherings can be opportunities to meet some of your colleagues who work in different spaces in your region, build connections, network, and look for new opportunities to collaborate – because our sector is strongest when we work together.