Mansfield Local Cultural Council
The Mansfield Local Cultural Council (MLCC) is a grassroots complement to the Massachusetts Cultural Council’s centralized grant programs. MLCC volunteers annually review applications from individuals, schools, and organizations to fund concerts, field trips, performances, lectures, workshops, art installations and community celebration/festivals.
Our mission is to promote excellence, access, education and diversity in the areas of the arts, humanities and sciences in the Town of Mansfield.
Contact
Eileen Cusack, Chair
culturalcouncil@mansfieldma.com
508-261-8828
Address
Town Hall
6 Park Row
Mansfield, MA 02048-2433
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FY22 Allocation
$10,300
FY22 Local Priorities
Please note that only applications submitted online will be accepted. Applicants can access the online form by selecting the “apply now” button above. Applications must be completed by 11:59pm on Monday, October 15th.
Mansfield Local Cultural Council Guidelines:
Grant awards typically range between $100 to $750. Larger awards are given on occasion. With funds being limited, grant requests should not normally exceed 50% of the cost of the proposed project or activity. New or previously unsuccessful applicants are encouraged to discuss their proposals with a council member before the deadline.
– Proposals are evaluated by a municipally appointed panel of community representatives.
– Mansfield-based applicants are given preference.
– Criteria include artistic, humanistic or scientific quality, value to the community, quality of planning, community support and/or involvement and track record of the applicant.
– The applicant’s qualifications must be demonstrated, and if the applicant is not directly leading the activity (i.e., a community agency is hiring an artist), then qualifications of the individual(s) leading the activity must also be described.
– Proposals from municipal entities must not request support for activities that should be or have been part of their budget.
– Enrichment projects utilizing outside professionals are allowed.
– Funded activities must take place in physically accessible spaces.
– The Council will carefully scrutinize repeat requests; such proposals should include other sources of support to show the project is not dependent solely on Council funding.
– The Council favorably rates proposals that are affordable to participants and provides an adequate public benefit to the Mansfield community.
– Applicants may apply for grants for programs that take place during a 12 month window of eligibility from January 1 through December 31, 2021.
– Based on community feedback, there will also be an emphasis on festivals.
Support Materials:
Letters of support/commitment from sponsoring organizations are strongly encouraged. If an applicant states that he/she will be working with or for another person, organization, or conducting the project in a specific facility, a letter of commitment or support should be submitted with the application form online.
FY22 Local Guidelines
To apply for Mansfield Local Cultural Council Grant, download and print an application form from www.massculturalcouncil.org or pick up a copy from the Mansfield Town Hall Clerk’s Office.
CALL FOR PROPOSALS AND APPLICATION CHECKLIST
The Mansfield Local Cultural Council is pleased to be one of 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts to award funds in partnership with the Massachusetts Cultural Council. These funds are granted to qualified individuals and organizations to support cultural projects that benefit the community. Eligible disciplines include arts, humanities and interpretive sciences. Applications are sought annually and evaluated on a competitive basis in the fall. Grant awards typically range between $250 and $1,500. Larger awards are given on occasion. With funds being limited, grant requests should not normally exceed 50 percent of the cost of the proposed project or activity. New or previously unsuccessful applicants are encouraged to discuss their proposals with a council member before the deadline.
ELIGIBILITY
Applicants can be: a) arts, humanities or interpretive science organizations; b) individuals including artists, science educators, historians or other humanists, parents, community members, etc.; c) community organizations including, but not limited to, schools, social service organizations, civic groups, churches, neighborhood centers, youth, senior and family associations, etc.; Incorporated organizations must be nonprofit; unincorporated associations must have a nonprofit purpose. Individual applicants are required to be residents for at least one year; organizations must be organized and operating in the state for at least one year.
CRITERIA
Proposals are evaluated by a municipally appointed panel of artists, humanists and community representatives. Criteria include artistic, humanistic or scientific quality, value to the community, quality of planning, community support and/or involvement and the track record of the applicant. The applicant’s qualifications must be demonstrated, and if the applicant is not directly leading the activity (i.e., a community agency is hiring an artist), then qualifications of the individual(s) leading the activity must also be described. Proposals from schools and libraries must not request support for activities that should be or have been part of the municipal budget (i.e. teacher salaries, classroom supplies, school-sponsored clubs and organizations, library books/videos, etc.). Enrichment projects utilizing outside professionals are allowed. Mansfield-based applicants are given preference over those from out of town. Funded activities must take place in physically accessible spaces. The Council will carefully scrutinize repeat requests; such proposals should include other sources of support to show the project is not dependent solely on Council funding.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE AND LOCATION
All applicants must submit their proposal on an official application form. Forms are available at the Town Clerk’s office, or from any member of the council. The application form can also be completed online and printed out for submission to the council. Go to www.massculturalcouncil.org. When filling out the application, use the space provided to answer questions. One additional 8 1/2″ x 11″ page to complete questions is allowed. Completed applications must be received at the Town Clerk’s office by Oct. 15 of each year. (valid postmark is acceptable).
SUPPORT MATERIALS
Applicants are required to submit one set of supporting materials. These may include slides, tapes, videocassette, resume, publicity, critical reviews, photos, printed materials. Letters of support/commitment from sponsoring organizations are strongly encouraged. If an applicant states that he/she will be working with or for another person, organization, or conducting the project in a specific facility, a letter of commitment or
How Grant Recipients Are Paid
Reimbursement Grants
