The Westport Cultural Council is a town appointed, volunteer group of citizens who manage the two grant programs in the community. One grant is from the annual LCC allocation that the Massachusetts Cultural Council gives to the Town of Westport. Applications are submitted in October. The second annual grant program is the Helen Ellis Charitable Trust grant supported by funds administered by the Bank of America. Applications are submitted in February.

What is the LCC grant program?

The Local Cultural Council Program, the second largest grant program of the Massachusetts Cultural Council, is a grassroots complement to the agency's centralized grant programs. Allocations are made to all of Massachusetts' 351 cities and towns to support community cultural activities. Each year, the MCC distributes funds to LCCs; in turn, LCCs make grants to schools, organizations and individuals in their communities. Distributions to each LCC are based on a local aid formula devised by the state. The formula takes into account population and the tax base. The Westport allocation for 2008-2009 is $4300.

What are the different types of applications that the LCCs review?

There are two kinds of applications that local cultural councils review from applicants: standard LCC applications, which can cover a broad range of cultural activities, and PASS applications, which are used to subsidize the cost of admission for K-12 students' field trips to programs in the arts, humanities and interpretive sciences (including performances, educational tours and exhibits).

How do I get an application form?

Both the LCC application form and PASS applications form are available on-line. 

An original plus eight copies of your application must either be hand delivered by the close of business - 4:00PM, Wednesday, October 15, 2008 at either the Westport Town Hall or the Westport Free Public Library, or you can mail them to the Westport Cultural Council, Westport Town Hall, Westport, MA 02790. Mailed applications must be postmarked by October 15. Late applications will not be considered. Applications must be complete and typed, including budget. Handwritten applications (partial or total) will be ineligible.

While all LCCs use the same basic application forms, some may require additional information from their applicants. The Westport Cultural Council requires the following in addition to the LCC application:

• You must provide the original grant application plus eight copies.
• The location of the event should be noted; if not known specify when that information will be available. A letter of approval from the host or sponsoring organization must be included.

EXAMPLE: any proposal from Westport Community Schools faculty, or from individuals or organizations involving the schools, must include a letter from Superintendent Galton.
EXAMPLE: any proposal tobe conducted at the Westport Senior Center must have a letter from Director Mary Ellen Gomes.
EXAMPLE: any program to be conducted at the Westport Free Public Library must have a letter from Head Librarian Susan Branco.

What are Westport priorities?

-Celebrate and preserve Westport's diverse cultures and/or its history.
-Promote and support the longstanding agricultural and fishing traditions in Westport.
-Enhance school activities which reach beyond the traditional scope.
-Increase exposure of local artisans, musicians and artists to members of the Westport Community.
-Engage a maximum number of Westport participants of all ages.
-Promote good design in public places.
-Encourage more environmental responsibility.

Consider if your program could be co-sponsored by a Westport business any time during the year. For further information, you can contact Carol Vidal at 508-998 9600 extension 114.

What is the average amount of an LCC grant?

They are in the $200 to $600 range.

How do I find out if I received a grant?

The Westport Cultural Council will send preliminary notification to all applicants shortly after they vote on grants. This notification will be by November 21. Disapproved applicants are notified first to allow for the reconsideration process. Final approval from the state is given in January 2009 and we will notify recipients at that time. Money is available to reimburse applicants beginning January 15, 2009.

What is reconsideration?

An applicant whose request was not approved for funding by the Westport Cultural Council may request that the council review the application again if the applicant can demonstrate that the Council failed to follow published local or state review procedures. Disapproved applicants have two weeks after the notification letters are mailed out to request reconsideration by the Westport Cultural Council.

Please note that even if the reconsideration request is granted, the application may again be disapproved. Additionally, reconsideration requests may not be made on the basis of dissatisfaction with the amount awarded or disagreement with decisions made on the basis of artistic quality.

When can I start the project if approved?

You must wait for the final approval; this will be after the Westport awards are approved by the state in January. You should NOT plan a project that begins before January 15 - even if we have given you preliminary approval in November.

Where can I get more information about applying to the LCC Program?

How to Apply