Projects

FAQs

Who can apply?

I don’t have a 501(c)3. Can I apply? CloseOpen

If you have a group that isn’t incorporated, but acts like an organization, you can apply by working with a fiscal agent. You have to arrange for a non-profit organization to agree to be your agent. This means that they will manage the funds for the project, and will make sure that the funds are used for the non-profit purpose. When you fill out the application, your organization is the applicant, and you fill in the information for the fiscal sponsor in the fiscal sponsor section.

I work for a city department that does some programming. Can we apply? CloseOpen

Yes. A program/department of a local, state, or federal government agency can apply, as long as they meet the other eligibility requirements. Some examples: Local Cultural Councils that do their own programming; Public art programs in a town government; a senior center that does music programs. If there are several cultural programs at your city, the city has to pick just one. For example: a city that has a music program at a city owned and operated senior center, and a public art program. The city has to choose which one will apply.

I run an art gallery at a college. Can we apply? CloseOpen

Yes. Programs at colleges can apply. The college can only submit one application, so if there are several cultural programs at your college, the college has to pick just one. For example: a college that has a professional performing arts series, an art gallery, and a public lecture series. The college has to choose which one will apply.

I work for science organization. Can we apply? CloseOpen

Yes. The Mass Cultural Council funds arts, humanities, and sciences. We support science organizations that educate and engage the public about the natural world. This includes science museums, watershed associations, botanical gardens, and more.

I don’t have an organization. Can I apply? CloseOpen

Sorry, but no. Projects grants are for organizations.

My organization is partnering with two other groups to apply. Is that okay? CloseOpen

The application has to be submitted by one organization, and that organization has to be eligible on its own merits. Partnering with other groups might be a great way to make your project happen, and might make your application stronger.

My organization just started 15 months ago. Can we apply? CloseOpen

Sorry, but no. You have to have 2 years of public cultural programming before you can apply.

Is my project eligible?

My project happened last fall, and it is already completed. May we apply? CloseOpen

Yes. This application deadline would normally have been in late spring of 2020, for FY21 projects. We delayed the application until the state budget process was completed. However, we still want to be able to support projects that happened throughout FY21 (July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2021).

My organization has a weekly music group that runs all year. Is this eligible? CloseOpen

No. We define a ‘project’ as a specific, connected set of activities, with a specific objective. A project will have a defined beginning and end, and an agreed on budget. If you have a program that runs all year round, without a defined beginning and end, that will not be eligible.

My project is to create a smartphone app. Is that eligible? CloseOpen

Maybe. The Projects grants support public programming. So, creating an app probably won’t be eligible. However, if you are using that app for some sort of activity that engages with the public, it might be eligible. The same is true for groups that want to create a book, mural, a film, signage for a walking tour, or other projects where you are creating ‘something’. There needs to be some part of your project that includes public participation.

My budget includes a lot of donated services and goods. Are they eligible? CloseOpen

The donated goods and services are not eligible. They should not be included in the project budget. You can explain in the application that you are receiving these goods and services, to show the full scope of your project.

Projects

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