Useful Links
Mass Cultural Council is part of a robust creative and cultural sector. We’ve compiled the following links to showcase some of the funding opportunities, services, and resources available to support the dynamic work of organizations. (See also our Useful Links for Artists .)
More date-sensitive listings of Opportunities & Resources for Organizations appear monthly in our blog.
Mass Cultural Council’s funding for organizations Close Open Cultural Facilities Fund
Festivals & Projects
Gaming Mitigation Fund
Local Cultural Council Program Local Cultural Councils serving every city and town in Massachusetts offer grants to projects benefiting their community.
Operating Support Grants for Organizations
STARS Residencies Grants for residencies of three days or more with teaching artists, scientists, humanists, or cultural organizations.
Where do I start when searching for funding? Close Open
Start by researching locally! In addition to the Local Cultural Council Program try:
Community Compact Connector which provides access to a grant finder, application submission calendar, and other resources that municipalities need to interact more easily with state government so that they can better serve residents, businesses and visitors.Checking out the Community Foundations in your area.
New England Foundation for the Arts’ grants to artists and organizations to support the creation and presentation of work across New England.Look for programs that are specific to your field or needs, like Mass Cultural Council’s Cultural Facilities Fund, Gaming Mitigation Fund, or STARS Residencies Examples include:
Try a grant research database website, many of which offer trial memberships, like Grantwatch , Impala , Instrumtntl , Grantstation or Foundation Directory Online (this directory is available for free at many public libraries) to do the searching for you.
Are there other opportunities for funding or support offered through the state? Close Open
Organizations that work for or with Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) groups can apply for funding through the AAPI Commission’s Small Grants Fund .
The Board of Library Commissioners offers grants along with other programs and support to Massachusetts libraries.
Commonwealth Corporation’s Workforce Training Fund Program provides resources to Massachusetts businesses to funding training for current and newly hired employees.
Executive Office of Economic Development offers programs and grants for business and innovation , prioritizing economic opportunity for residents, collaborative leadership in communities, and an environment that supports job creation and business growth.
MassDevelopment specializes in financing solutions and extensive real estate expertise for businesses and nonprofit organizations to drive local economic development.Mass Growth Capital Corporation has assembled a resource guide for small businesses, including opportunities for funding.
Massachusetts Historical Commission has funding and resources available to organizations to identify, evaluate, and protect important historical and archaeological assets within Massachusetts.
Massachusetts Office of Business Development serves as a central point of contact for businesses looking for assistance accessing state resources, expertise, and incentive programs through regional directors .Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism markets the state as a whole (and hosts a statewide calendar of events ) while its Regional Tourism Councils (RTCs) focus on promoting their specific area of the state. Massachusetts is divided into 16 individual regions, each marketed by an RTC. They develop regional advertising, public relations, brochures, and other marketing initiatives throughout the year.Massachusetts Regional Planning Agencies serve local governments and citizens within their planning districts by dealing with issues through planning, policymaking, communication coordination, advocacy, education, analysis, and technical assistance.Massachusetts Small Business Development Center’s Network provides free, confidential, one-to-one business assistance and free or low-cost educational training programs to prospective and existing small businesses.
Are there other institutions that offer resources or funding? Close Open
The Barr Foundation offers grants to elevate the arts and enable creative expression to engage and inspire a dynamic, thriving Massachusetts.
Berkshire Regional Arts Integration Network (BRAINWORKS) is a federally funded grant program providing professional development in arts integration for Berkshire County educators across PreK-12 classrooms, leveraging the region’s existing cultural assets.Borealis Philanthropy is a social justice philanthropic intermediary working to resource grassroots movements for transformative change.Disabled Consultants Future Fund iFord Foundation supports organizations that address the underlying drivers of inequality and align with their programmatic work around the world.Mass Humanities offers grants, programs, and partnerships with nonprofits around the state working in the humanities.
Are there specific guidelines for organizations and venues on accommodations for people with disabilities? Close Open There are checklists, workbooks, and entire organizations available to help out on the journey toward Americans with Disability (ADA) compliance and improvement.
Where can I find information about Creative Youth Development (CYD)? Close Open In addition to exploring Mass Cultural Council’s YouthReach program for organizations practicing Creative Youth Development in the arts, humanities, and sciences, check out these entities.
Where can I find information for improving the positive impact of my facility on my community? Close Open
Where can I find other trainings and opportunities to strengthen my organization? Close Open
Association of Performing Arts Professionals works to strengthen the field through professional development, grant support, advocacy, networking and the annual APAP|NYC conference.Dunamis Boston is a non-profit dedicated to professional development and connecting emerging artists and arts-managers of color.Mass Cultural Council shares Opportunities & Resources for Orgs , a monthly round-up of grants, technical assistance resources, and opportunities for creative and cultural organizations.
Massachusetts Nonprofit Network brings together all parts of the nonprofit ecosystem—nonprofits, funders, community and business leaders, and elected officials—to strengthen nonprofits and raise the sector’s voice on critical issues.New England Museum Association is museum field’s regional resource for sharing best practices, connecting colleagues, and inspiring careers.PhilanthropyMA provides access to trainings and resources for grant seekers ranging from grant research 101 to a directory of funding opportunities.
What service organizations and entities can help with networking and partnering? Close Open Check out the networks below as well as City of Boston Arts Service Organizations list.
Arts & Business Council of Greater Boston works to maintain and bolster the vibrancy and diversity of the region with initiatives ranging from legal services and human resources support to real estate programs and creative placemaking.ArtsBoston hosts the Network for Arts Administrators of Color (NAACBoston) and an events calendar .
Berkshire Cultural Asset Network (BCAN) is a professional learning network for arts education and community engagement staff members of Berkshire county 501(c)3 arts and cultural organizations.Black Economic Council of MA (BECMA) advances the economic well-being of Black businesses, organizations, and residents in Massachusetts.Boston Area Network of Teaching Artists (BANTA) offers a Facebook group focused on creating a place for teaching artists to network, share professional development workshops and jobs, and come together as a community with shared needs and experiences.The Boston Club matches nonprofits with women leaders for board development.Center for Women & Enterprise helps women business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs launch and grow their business by providing greater access to the resources, tools, and support they need.Creative County Profile is an Essex County website helping North Shore artists and organizations reach new audiences, grow financial support, and connect with each other.Massachusetts LGBT Chamber of Commerce Non-Profit Assistance offers assistance and support to nonprofits.National Network of Fiscal Sponsors is a network of professionals who recognize the value of working together to develop the field of fiscal sponsorship. They convene events, share peer knowledge, advocate for the field, and develop best practices together.SCORE connects business leaders to mentors that help you start, grow, or transition your business. Mentors available in: Western MA, Worcester, Boston, Northeast MA and Southeast MA.
What are some online directories and event calendars supporting the creative and cultural sector? Close Open
Where can I find out about the intersections of arts and health? Close Open
Where can I find information, service providers, and partners in Creative Aging? Close Open
Aging Service Access Points are multi-service providers run by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Their website shares providers for each town or city in Massachusetts.Lifetime Arts offers a list of creative aging resources in Massachusetts.Massachusetts Memory Café Directory provides free social and creative engagement programs for people living with dementia or cognitive changes, and those who care about them.MassOptions offers free information and referral service run by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.Osher Lifelong Learning Institute offers university-based learning opportunities for older adults. These include Berkshire Community College, Brandeis University, Tufts University, and UMass Boston.
Where can I find data or research in support of the sector? Close Open
What additional tools and resources does Mass Cultural Council offer? Close Open
Artist Space Resources to connect with existing spaces or to help you think through the process of finding, financing, and developing your own space.Capacity Building Toolkit covers focus areas critical to planning a post-COVID operating environment for cultural nonprofits and creative workers.Festivals Toolkit is a guide for improving audience development and engagement. A project between Mass Cultural Council and ArtsBoston.HireCulture is a free, searchable database of creative employment opportunities throughout Massachusetts.Opportunities & Resources for Orgs , a monthly round-up of grants, technical assistance resources, and opportunities for creative and cultural organizations.
Although Mass Cultural Council cannot endorse nor recommend specific individuals or make assurances for individuals that needs will be met, it is our hope that these resources can be of help. Mass Cultural Council is neither liable nor responsible for any actions of those using or choosing links on this web site.
If you know of a Useful Link that ought to appear on this page, please email us .
