Somerset Cultural Council
The Somerset Cultural Council is part of a network of 329 Local Cultural Councils serving all the cities and towns in the Commonwealth. Through its Board (currently numbering 10 members), the Council meets throughout the year. One meeting is dedicated to the allocation of funds received from the Massachusetts Cultural Council to individuals and organizations proposing to provide arts programs or performances within our community. Grants are reimbursement-based and priority is given to first time applicants and those who demonstrate a local connection and support.
Contact
somersetculturalcouncil@gmail.com
508-646-2800
Address
140 Wood Street
Somerset, MA 02726-5297
Application Information
FY24 Allocation
$11,900
FY24 Local Priorities
FY2024 Somerset Cultural Council Priorities
The Somerset Cultural Council gathers input from the community and develops funding priorities based on this feedback. This year the Somerset Cultural Council will give priority to proposals that:
● Show clarity of purpose
● Directly benefit Somerset residents
● Are related to the culture and history of Somerset, Bristol County and the region
● Celebrate Somerset’s diverse culture and population
● Are geographically local to Somerset residents
● Are offered gratis or at a reduced cost
● Have evidence of pre-planning (specific dates/times/venues)
● Have local sponsorship (with a letter of support)
● Follow the Massachusetts Cultural Council’s state criteria for grant applications
The Council encourages new and innovative programs. First time applicants will be given higher priority. Repeat programs or applicants will be carefully reviewed and should include other sources of support to show the project is not dependent solely on Council funding.
The Council will also strive to make sure that approved grants benefit a diverse demographic and cultural base, reach a variety of age groups, and cover a variety of mediums. Programs may be presented in-person or virtually.
School-related proposals must be for enrichment activities and not for programs, supplies, or salaries that should be part of a school budget.
FY24 Local Guidelines
Funding is more likely when an application is submitted with a town sponsor and include a letter of support from said community partner.
Only applications submitted through the Online Application system will be accepted for consideration.
Programs must be completed in the 2024 calendar year (January to December) following the October 2023 application deadline.
Grant recipients are required to inform the Somerset Cultural Council before making changes to their program’s execution and/or completion. Requests should be submitted in writing/email for review and approval.
How Grant Recipients Are Paid
Direct Grants
FY23 Funding List
| Name | Project Title | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Bridgewater Antiphonal Brass Society, Inc. | Summer Band Concert | $600 | Bristol Chapter of Massachusetts Society of Genealogists, Inc. | Tackle Your Family Photographs: 3 Simple Strategies to Get Past Overwhelm and Enjoy Your Photos | $400 | Chace, Karen A. | Carving Out Your Story | $300 | Girl Scout Somerset Service Unit | Annie at Providence Performing Arts Center | $900 | Kelly, Kaye | SheGrooves; Using Our Voices for Positive Change | $350 | Little Theatre of Fall River, Inc. | "Guys and Dolls" Romantic Comedy Musical Live Theatre | $500 | MUSIC Dance.edu | I am Autistic I am Fantastic | $500 | MUSIC Dance.edu | Hip Hop Chair Dance for Seniors! | $500 | Rodrigues, Steven | RiverStock | $1,000 | Somerset Council on Aging | Memory and Seascape frame classes | $525 | Somerset Council on Aging | Watercolor Classes at Council on Aging | $960 | Somerset Council on Aging | Musical Luncheons | $500 | Somerset Economic Development Committee | Somerset Spring BBQ Fest | $1,500 | South Coast Community Chorale | The Magic of Mozart: A 2-Part Series | $755 | Spirit of Somerset, Inc. | Spirit of Somerset Family Fun day | $1,350 | Town of Somerset | Mad Science Che-mystery Workshop | $210 | York, Matt | Johnny Cash Songs and Stories | $400 |
