Fairhaven Cultural Council
Culture brings an understanding of the wider world to communities by providing a shared language and creating connections among people, places, and institutions. Cultural programs, events, and exhibitions enrich the quality of life and well-being across a community. It is these experiences that the Fairhaven Cultural Council works toward delivering to all in our community. By providing direct funding to artists, performers, other creatives, and educators we strive to support projects that celebrate, preserve, and inspire creativity within the community, while also supporting the economic vitality of the Town of Fairhaven and the surrounding areas.
The Fairhaven Cultural Council serves all of Fairhaven. It is our goal to honor the breadth and diversity of its people and their cultural expressions. We fairly and equitably allocate our grants. We do not fund projects that discriminate based on age, ability, ethnicity, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, nationality, geographic origin, or immigration, military, or socio-economic status. We encourage all Fairhaven residents to participate in our activities–applying to serve on the council, seeking grant funding, and attending grant-winning programs. Together we make Fairhaven a better place and expand its potential.
Contact
Beth Ann Gallagher
culturalcouncil@fairhaven-ma.gov
508-979-4085
https://massculturalcouncil.org/local-council/Fairhaven
Address
40 Center St
Fairhaven, MA 02719-2995
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Application Information
FY26 Allocation
$11,900
FY26 Local Priorities
This year (2025/2026) the Fairhaven Cultural Council will give priority to:
Projects that promote excellence, access, education, and diversity in the Arts, Humanities, and Interpretive Sciences.
Projects that offer a clear benefit to the Town of Fairhaven and its residents.
Projects or programs that will take place in Fairhaven and contain a letter of support from the proposed venue.
Projects that encompass the culture and history of Fairhaven.
First time applicants.
Returning applicants with successful previous projects.
FY26 Local Guidelines
FY26 Local Guidelines:
The Fairhaven Cultural Council (FCC) awards grants in part or in full, as funding is available. The Council funds as many grants as possible during the grant cycle, provided applicants meet the criteria as outlined in the FCC Priorities.
Fairhaven participates in the Direct Grant System. The FCC makes grant money available in full to grantees once their projects have been granted approval (January), the Council has received all required paperwork from the grantee, and the Town of Fairhaven processes the paperwork.
This Council funds projects taking place during an 18-month window of eligibility beginning July 1, preceding the application deadline in October, through December 31 of the following year.
A specified project date (or range) and location for the project, event, or performance is required. A letter of support from the proposed venue is requested at the time of application.
If the project culminates in an education session, event, or performance outside of Fairhaven, an estimation of participation by Fairhaven residents is requested.
Large budget projects must have additional sources of funding and not seek complete funding from the FCC.
Returning grantees should demonstrate the ability to host a successful and well-received program, as well as, the ability to complete and submit all FCC required paperwork within the stated timeline.
Projects must be accessible for persons with disabilities, including facility or event location, as well as the content of the program.
The Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) and the FCC must be credited by using their logos or the following credit line: “This program is supported in part by a grant from the Fairhaven Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.”
Applicants are encouraged to submit any additional materials that strengthen their applications. Support materials may include: letters of support, publicity, reviews, photos, resumes, press kits, etc. Support materials should be scanned or photographed and uploaded as per online application instructions.
At the completion of the program, grantees are required to submit a final report to the FCC verifying that the project adhered to the proposal, as well as local and state guidelines, and provides proof of properly crediting the FCC and MCC on all publicity.
Any questions may be directed to chairperson Beth Ann Gallagher at culturalcouncil@fairhaven-ma.org.
How Grant Recipients Are Paid
Direct Grants
FY25 Funding List
| Name | Project Title | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Angeley, Jeffrey | Old Time Fiddle Session & Community Gathering | $600 | Fairhaven High School | Festival of Lights Field Trip | $514 | Fairhaven Improvement Association | Concerts Under the Stars | $2,000 | Fortier, Ron | The Disappearance of Joshua Slocum | $1,500 | Friends of the Millicent Library, Incorporated | Travels through the Heart and Soul of New England | $500 | Lappen, Henry | Henry the Juggler Performance | $450 | New Bedford Ballet Foundation, Inc. | Ballet for Kids, Introducing the Snow Queen | $340 | New Bedford Festival Theatre, Inc. | A Golden Girls Acting Workshop for Seniors | $750 | North Fairhaven Improvement Association, Inc. | Music Night in the Gazebo | $500 | Old Dartmouth Historical Society | Museum Access for Youth | $500 | Seaglass Theater Company, Inc. | Music in the Library | $900 | Shepherd Center for the Performing Arts, Inc. | Refreshment for Fairhaven Arts performances | $750 | The Artists Index, Inc. | Fairhaven Performing Artists Podcast Series | $1,500 | The Artists Index, Inc. | Lost Artists of Fairhaven Podcast Series | $1,500 | The Millicent Library | Level Up! Magic Show with Todd Migliacci | $800 | Tri-County Music Association, Inc. | Complimentary Senior Tickets | $200 | York, Matt | Willie Nelson Songs & Stories w/ Matt York | $500 |
Review Complete LCC Program Guidelines
