Grant Application FAQs 2016

For LCC applications due on October 17, 2016:

FAIRHAVEN CULTURAL COUNCIL IS ACCEPTING ONLINE APPLICATIONS ONLY. Visit www.mass-culture.org for information.

If you are considering applying for a cultural council grant, here are some suggestions from our council and answers to frequently asked questions:

What if I don’t have an exact date of my project?

The more specific the dates, the more likely your project will be viewed as viable and therefore be approved. If you don’t have an exact day scheduled, at least include a month you project your event or project to happen. If your project date changes after your grant has been accepted, please notify the council chair.

IMPORTANT: For the application cycle ending on October 17, 2016, projects being applied for must take place between January and December 2017. We cannot and will not reimburse for expenses billed for projects that occurred during 2016.

Who should the contact person be if I am submitting a grant on behalf of an organization?

Your contact person should be the individual who will be responsible for overseeing the grant for your organization or project. It does not have to be the same person as the applicant. It should be the person you or your organization expects to handle communications with our council throughout the year.

If your contact person changes after your grant has been accepted, please notify the council chair.

What if I don’t have a project venue or host?

We will not consider grants that do not have a host or designated venue. You should obtain a tentative commitment from a host and/or secure a venue before you apply. 

How many times may I apply for a grant?

Our council adheres to the state’s suggested redundancy policy of limiting funding for the same project to 3 consecutive years. 

Applicants may still apply with the understanding that their project may not be funded due to this policy, or applicants may wish to skip a year and apply in the future. We do consider all applicants, and reserve the right to support recurring projects when finances permit.

Also, an individual applicant may apply for different projects even if they have been awarded grants for other projects in the past.

How many copies of my application should I make?

No copies necessary-- the entire process is now online.

What types of expenses will an LCC grant cover?

LCC grants can be used for supplies, stipends, venue rental fees, ticket costs and transportation fees for field trips, advertising materials, and other expendable items that are part of a project that promotes arts, culture, and the/or the humanities. Capitol expenses may be applied for using the additional pages of the grant application, but please keep in mind the limited funds available for these grants. 

LCC funds may NOT be used for food/refreshments, expenses that should or could be paid for through a municipal budget, or projects that discriminate against population groups.

You will be expected to use the monies for the expenses you outlined in your grant budget form. 

For more information about specific funding allowances, please read the state guidelines.

How will you know if I use the grant monies for appropriate expenses?

We only pay out grant monies when we have your completed reimbursement forms, proof that the project took place, and proof that appropriate expenses have been purchased and paid for. 

You will need to submit invoices or receipts and proof that these items were paid for in order for your grant reimbursement to be processed. If the receipts are not itemized, you will need to explain why these expenses were appropriate for your grant.

You may not use these grant funds for another or similar project, it must be specifically used for the project parameters outlined in the original application.

Would the council pay a third party directly on our behalf out of our grant monies?

No. Cultural council grants are reimbursement only. The applicant, organization, or an individual affiliated with the project must have paid for the expense first, then an individual may be reimbursed for that payment. 

The council is allowed to reimburse an individual or organization who paid for project expenses even if it is not the named applicant, provided the appropriate forms, receipts, and W-9s have been submitted.

When would I be reimbursed for the expenses covered by the LCC grant? 

We ask that you submit forms and paperwork for reimbursement 3 to 4 weeks following the conclusion of your project. We will make the best effort to process that paperwork and get a check to you in 3 to 4 weeks. 

What happens if awarded grant money is not spent, submitted or completed late, or is not spent appropriately?

These circumstances may affect consideration of projects you apply for in the future.

We have limited funds and want to ensure that approved projects are followed through with and the awarded monies used appropriately, as is our duty. Past issues with applicant reliability may be a factor in future grant decisions.

What does it mean when it says I have to credit the Fairhaven and Massachusetts Cultural Councils?

In the event you are awarded a grant, the MCC requires that you publicize that the local and state cultural councils funded or partially funded your project. You should use the MCC logo whenever possible (found on the MCC site). Credit should appear on posters, in press releases, on programs, etc. You will need to submit proof that you have credited us when you submit your reimbursement materials. Failure to do so may result in refusal to reimburse funds or fund future projects.

What if I spent more on my project than the grant awarded?

We can only reimburse the amount that was awarded, even if you show additional expenses.

What if I don’t spend all of my allocation?

If you come in under budget, we will reimburse you the amount for which you submit receipts. Unused monies will be reallocated in the next grant cycle.  

Other questions? Contact chairperson Abigail Hevey at abigail.hevey@gmail.com