Westport Cultural Council
The Westport Cultural Council works to foster quality cultural programs and activities that bring the community together to create, share and inspire. With funding from the Massachusetts Cultural Council, the WCC works to support community programs in the arts, humanities and interpretive sciences. A grant from the Helen E. Ellis Charitable Trust also enables the WCC to recall and reinforce the dedication and contributions of Ms. Ellis to the arts, education and the community each spring. In 2023 another generous donor allowed us to establish the Westport Cultural Council Gift Fund to increase our support for these efforts. We encourage the local community to contribute to this fund as much as they can.
The Westport Cultural Council is one in a network of local cultural councils serving the 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts. Through State grants, the Council is able to support local arts, science and history, funds school field trips, and sponsors local concerts and exhibitions.
The Westport Cultural Council is unique in that it offers grants through a second grant funding source: the Helen E. Ellis Charitable Trust. Helen E. Ellis was a sculptor and dedicated educator who left an endowment to support local cultural programs for the Westport community.
Together, these funding programs have made it possible for the Council to award grants to more than 350 artists, historians, musicians, educators, theater groups, naturalists, and others who have helped make Westport a more vibrant and culturally rich community.
Contact
Thomas Peirce
tom.peirce17@gmail.com
508-676-8994
Address
816 Main Road
Westport, MA 02790-4396
Connect on Social
Facebook
Application Information
FY26 Allocation
$8,300
FY26 Local Priorities
The Westport Cultural Council’s priorities are to promote projects, presentations and events that benefit our community. Funding worthwhile projects from artists, groups or organizations give our community opportunities to come together. The Westport Cultural Council welcomes all applications that benefit and enhance our cultural climate, offer diverse and innovative events/projects and encourage the community to participate.
FY26 Local Guidelines
The Westport Cultural Council may limit dollar amounts to applicants due to monetary constraints. Each year, the number of overall, worthy applications effect how much the Council can grant out. Applicants must be prepared that their grants may not be fully funded. The applicant should be prepared to proceed and complete a grant if given partial funding. Funding for projects for personal profit are discouraged.
Applications for grants utilizing venues in the area must have a letter stating approval from that venue. Please include dates/timelines of your event.
How Grant Recipients Are Paid
Reimbursement Grants
FY26 Funding List
A grant list will be published here after January 17, 2026 and once the Local Cultural Council has finalized their decisions.
