Manchester Cultural Council
The Manchester Cultural Council funds grants to those who provide cultural enrichment through the Arts, Sciences, or Humanities. The purpose of the grants is to enrich the lives of citizens of Manchester-by-the-Sea. In the past grants have been awarded to the Cape Ann Museum, The Manchester Garden Clubs, The Manchester Library, Tanglewood Performers, Writing Programs, The Delvinia Theater Group , Manchester Library, The Council on Aging and many others. All funding is derived from an annual fund allocated from the National Endowment for the Arts and Mass Cultural Council.
Contact
Miranda Gaudet
mbtsculturalcouncil@gmail.com
978-526-2000
Address
Town Hall
10 Central Street
Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA 01944-1399
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Application Information
FY26 Allocation
$5,700
FY26 Local Priorities
Manchester Cultural Council Local Guidelines & Priorities
Community-Wide Events: Priority will be given to projects that are free and open to the public and are designed to draw a large number of Manchester residents. This includes public concerts, theatrical performances, lectures, town-wide celebrations or gatherings, and art exhibitions in public spaces.
Support for Local Talent: We will prioritize applications from artists, performers, and cultural organizations that are based in Manchester-by-the-Sea or have a strong, demonstrated connection to the community.
Educational Enrichment: We seek projects that provide direct cultural and artistic opportunities for residents of all ages, with special consideration for programs that benefit children, families, and seniors. Examples include in-school performances, outdoor nature activities, concerts, after-school theater workshops, or programs with the Council on Aging.
Celebrating Heritage Through Innovative Perspectives: We seek proposals that honor and explore the unique history, environment, and traditions of Manchester-by-the-Sea while introducing new or interdisciplinary artistic approaches. Priority will be given to projects that find fresh ways to engage residents and visitors with the town’s rich cultural heritage.
Fostering Innovation and New Experiences: We seek projects that invite the residents of Manchester-by-the-Sea to explore contemporary issues through a compassionate and equitable cultural lens, thereby enriching the community’s intellectual and creative life.
FY26 Local Guidelines
Review Criteria:
Local Impact (40%): How well does the project serve a broad and diverse segment of the Manchester-by-the-Sea community?
Feasibility (30%): Is the project’s budget realistic and well-documented? Does the applicant have a clear plan and the necessary qualifications to execute the project successfully?
Artistic/Cultural Merit (20%): Does the project demonstrate creativity and quality in its design and execution?
Leverage (10%): Does the applicant have other confirmed or pending sources of funding (cash or in-kind) for the project?
Proposed programs/events must have a Manchester sponsor, a local venue, and a date. A letter from the sponsor must accompany the application.
Individuals and organizations are limited to one (1) application per grant cycle (year).
Programs/events funded for two (2) years will have a lower priority in subsequent years.
Program/Event fees: Programs that are free to the public are given priority.
Available funding: Average grants tend to be in the $300 to $600 range.
How Grant Recipients Are Paid
Reimbursement Grants
FY25 Funding List
| Name | Project Title | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Boston Saxophone Quartet | Linking Generations Through Music | $575 | Cape Ann Museum, Inc. | Cape Ann Student Exhibitions | $1,000 | First Parish Church, Congregational | Community Messiah Sing | $3,441 | Jackson, Peter | Community Magic Show | $300 | Kestrel Educational Adventures | Environmental Science Programs for MERSD | $2,000 | MUSIC Dance.edu | Hip Hop Chair Dance for Seniors! | $280 | Manchester Memorial Parent Teacher Organization | Tanglewood Marionettes at Memorial Elementary | $1,000 | Manchester-by-the-Sea Public Library | Music by the Sea | $2,630 | The Delvena Theatre Company | Nun of This and Nun of That - Once Again! | $695 | The Musary, JRP Inc. | Musary Musical Instrument Lending Acquisitions | $500 |
Review Complete LCC Program Guidelines
