The following FAQs include essential information that will help applicants develop successful proposals.
What is the Local Cultural Council (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; first, standard LCC applications, which can cover a broad range of cultural activities and second, 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 and when do I apply?
An original plus eight copies of your application must either be hand delivered by the close of business (4:00pm) at either the Westport Town Hall or the Westport Free Public Library. Or, you may 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.
What are the additional requirements for Westport?
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:
What are Westport's priorities?
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.
