Grant Application FAQs 2019

For LCC applications due on October 15, 2019:

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 15, 2019, projects being applied for must take place between January and December 2020.

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 as soon as possible.

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

Our council does not produce or locate venues for applicants. You should obtain a tentative commitment from a host and/or secure a venue before you apply. We ask for letter or verification of your host or venue when appropriate for applicants’ events or projects.

How many copies of my application should I make?

No copies necessary-- the entire process is now online. Your online application must be submitted online by October 15, 2019. If you do not have access to a computer or web access, your local Public Library can make that available for you. Visit our MCC page and click the Application tab to begin. https://www.mass-culture.org/Fairhaven

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, projects that discriminate against population groups or promoting the advancement of specific religious beliefs. 

Although individual students are not eligible to apply for scholarships via LCC grants, an organization may apply to an LCC to sponsor a scholarship provided it shows evidence of an open and fair review and award process.

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. https://www.mass-culture.org/criteria_eligibility.aspx

If my application is accepted, what happens next?

If accepted, you will receive notification via email from the chairperson. 

Because Fairhaven is participating in the Pilot Program, you will need to fill out and return the Grant Agreement and W-9 forms to our Treasurer immediately, and a check with your full funding amount will be issued in 3-4 weeks.

Once your project is completed you will need to complete a final report verifying you used the funds as promised and provide proof you have credited MCC and our LCC as required. Receipts should be available for possible auditing but should not be submitted with your final report.