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.
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, Field Trip 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 six copies of your application must either be hand delivered by the close of business at either the Westport Town Hall by Friday, October 14, 2011, or the Westport Free Public Library by October 15, 2011. Or, you may mail your packet to us at Westport Cultural Council, Westport Town Hall, Westport, MA 02790. Mailed applications must be postmarked by October 15, 2011. Late applications will not be considered. Applications must be complete and typed, including budget. Applications that are either partially or completely handwritten will not be considered.
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?
Your proposed program is expected to:
How do I find out if I received a grant?
The Westport Cultural Council will send preliminary notification to all applicants shortly after the voting meeting takes place at the end of October. Disapproved applicants are notified first before approved applicants, and have 15 days to request reconsideration. We receive final approval of all grants from the state MCC in January 2012. At that time, we send final approval notification to applicants, and they are free to move forward with their programs.
What is reconsideration?
An applicant whose proposal is 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 15 days 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 your final approval letter from the Westport Cultural Council, which are mailed in January after we receive final approval from the state. You may not begin work on your program or project until after your receive your final approval. Remember, the approval you receive in November is preliminary only and must be confirmed before your grant award is final.
