Bedford Cultural Council

The Bedford Cultural Council supports public projects through the regranting of the annual allocation of funds from the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC). These projects shall promote access, education, diversity, and excellence in the arts, humanities, and interpretive sciences in Bedford.

Contact

Barbara Purchia
bedfordmaculturalcouncil@gmail.com
781-275-1111
https://bedfordma.gov/597/Cultural-Council

Address
Bedford Town Hall
10 Mudge Way
Bedford, MA 01730-2193

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Application Information

FY24 Allocation

$6,900

FY24 Local Priorities

Preference is given to 

1. Bedford community members
   1. Nonprofit organizations 
   2. Projects involving local artists
2. Projects which encourage community-wide participation in the arts, cultural events, graphic arts, fine arts, music, dance, theater, writing, nature, science and environmental education 
3. Projects which encourage participation by audiences of all ages including multi-generational cultural programs
4. Projects highlighting Bedford’s history and institutions
5. Projects celebrating cultural diversity and inclusivity
6. First time funding of projects

FY24 Local Guidelines

1. Non-resident individuals or organizations
   1.  If your program occurs in Bedford, you must have a predetermined local sponsor and a letter from the sponsor, including the sponsor’s Bedford address, with your application. The letter should specify the type and level of support that the sponsor will provide. The application must identify the venue as either in-person or virtual. Virtual programs must be managed by the sponsor.
   2. If your program does NOT occur in Bedford, you must have a supporting letter from a resident, including their Bedford address, that explains how your program will benefit Bedford residents.
2. Projects done on town property must have all town related approvals and town department commitments before application submission (i.e., from all relevant permitting authorities and stakeholders).
3. Applications must be completed online, including a complete budget and specific project date(s)/timeframes. 
4. Publicity must contain the following acknowledgement: “This program is supported in part by a grant from the Bedford Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.”  For additional information, refer to  Event Publicity Guidelines.
5. The Bedford Cultural Council cannot guarantee full funding of any requested amount. Your event must be able to proceed with only partial funding of the requested amount from the Bedford Cultural Council. Other Massachusetts Cultural Grant Program Opportunities are described at: https://www.massculturalcouncil.org/programs/programs.asp.
6. Approved grantees must advertise event(s) in local Bedford media.
7. Grants are made on a reimbursement basis only. Once your program has been completed, please send your completed reimbursement form and documentation (invoices, receipts, or paid bills), including costs associated with virtual programming if applicable, evidence that the event took place (programs, photos, etc.), and was credited as required (copies of marketing, in newspapers, etc.) to: Bedford Cultural Council, Bedford Town Hall, 10 Mudge Way, Bedford, MA 01730. You may also email your reimbursement materials to BedfordMACulturalCouncil@gmail.com. Preapproval from the BCC is required for partial reimbursement for projects that happen in more than one phase. Refer to Reimbursement Guidelines for additional information.

How Grant Recipients Are Paid

Reimbursement Grants

FY24 Funding List

Name	Project Title	Amount
Bedford Arts and Crafts Society	Series of Artist and Crafter Workshops and Demos	$500
The Bedford Citizen, Inc.	Cultural Reporting in The Bedford Citizen	$1,000
The Delvena Theatre Company	Mangia, Meatballs and Murder	$400
Vaibhava Dance School	Bharatanatyam: Enduring Traditions	$250