Dighton Cultural Council

Amount Available for Granting in FY 2012

$3,818

Applications for field trips are accepted. (Formerly known as PASS applications.)

LCC Program Guidelines (PDF)

The postmark deadline for applications is October 15

Funding Priorities

Funding Priorities for 2009-2010: Priority in the awarding of grants will be given to applications that -Reach new audiences. -Celebrate and preserve Dighton's diverse cultures and/or its history -Extend school experiences to reach beyond the traditional scope of classroom instruction and activities -Increase exposure of and opportunities for local artisans, musicians and artists within the Dighton community -Engage a maximum number of Dighton participants of all ages. Due to the limited funds available and the high demand for support, the council often awards smaller amounts than requested and asks that applicants find matching funds or scale back their projects. Awards typically range from $200 to $500. A few larger awards are given from time to time. In cases where a project is partially funded the council may request an explanation of how the project will be modified. Requests for extensions beyond the grant period will be considered on a case-by-case basis and must be submitted in writing no later than one year from the date of the approval letter. The council will review and vote on the request and notify applicants in writing of its decision. Payments are made on a reimbursement basis only. Reimbursements generally take 5 to 7 weeks. Detailed information on the reimbursement process will be sent with the final approval letter. Applicants will receive a reimbursement form to use for their payment request. Projects and payment requests need to be completed within a year of the final award notification. With permission of the council, progress or interim payments may be requested for the portion of the project that has been carried out. Final reimbursement will not be made until the project is completed.

Local Guidelines

Effective September 1, 2009 Program Purpose The purpose of the Dighton Cultural Council is to strengthen, promote and maintain local cultural resources and to encourage their appreciation within the Dighton community. The Council is committed to funding a broad cross-section of activities that reflect Dighton’s diversity including new and emerging cultural resources. We support a wide variety of art forms; the ongoing work of individual artists; environmental education projects; collaborative proposals that bring together artists and other types of organizations; local cultural groups as well as community-wide projects that bring people together. Funds can be used for study, exhibition, performance, publication, pursuit and development of these cultural activities. Primary emphasis will be given to the recognition of, and provision for, the particular needs of Dighton as noted in the priorities listed below. Principal objectives are: - To identify and develop new cultural resources in Dighton. - To strengthen and support existing cultural resources in the town and in the state. - To involve as many citizens of Dighton as possible in these cultural activities. Review Criteria Applications are evaluated in terms of several review criteria: artistic or creative merit; project design; qualifications, dedication and track record of the individuals and organizations involved; physical accessibility of any facilities being used; and community benefit/involvement. Proposals from schools and libraries must not request support for activities that should be or used to be part of the municipal budget (i.e., teacher salaries, classroom supplies, school-sponsored clubs and organizations, library books/videos, etc.). Enrichment projects utilizing outside professionals are allowed. Dighton-based applicants are given preference over those from out of town. The council will carefully review repeated requests with particular attention to the extent to which the applicant documents other sources of support to show the project is not dependent solely on council funding. Eligibility Applicants can be: a) arts, humanities or interpretive science organizations; b) individuals including artists, science educators, historians or other humanists, parents, community members, etc.; c) community organizations including, but not limited to, schools, social service organizations, business and civic groups, neighborhood centers, youth, senior and family associations, etc. Incorporated organizations must be nonprofit; unincorporated associations must have a nonprofit purpose. Individual applicants are required to be residents for at least one year; organizations must be organized and operating in the state for at least one year. The distribution of funds shall not be based on criteria of race, gender, religion, creed, color, age or national origin. Timeline Completed applications (one original and 8 copies) must be received or postmarked by Oct. 15. Hand-delivered applications can be dropped off at the Town Clerk’s Office in Town Hall, 979 Somerset Avenue by 3:00PM on October 15. Mailed applications and support materials should be sent to the Dighton Cultural Council, Town Hall, 979 Somerset Avenue, Dighton, MA 02715 Application deadline -- Oct. 15 Notification of disapproved applications -- Nov. 21 Final approval (from state review) -- on or before January 15 Final reports & payment requests due -- by January 15 (one year from final approval notification) Application process All applications must be typed or word-processed. The application should be as complete and detailed as possible. Provide all pertinent information with the application, including a detailed budget of anticipated income (indicating the sources of that income) and expenses. You may use additional pages where necessary, but not as a substitute for filling out the application itself. Applications involving other persons or institutions must include evidence to verify this involvement such as letters of support, biographies and resumes. The following info is required: - Documentation of supporting factors, such as: a) support of colleagues, an institution or town body; b) permission of relevant authorities, such as town and school officials, teachers, etc.; [For example: 1) any proposal from Dighton Schools faculty, or from individuals or organizations involving the schools, must include a letter from the Superintendent; 2) any proposal to be conducted at the Dighton Senior Center must have a letter from the Director; 3) any program to be conducted at the Dighton Public Library must have a letter from the Library Director], c) confirmed availability of a proposed site or venue. Contributions of materials, other in-kind assistance or money must be confirmed in a letter submitted with the application. Failure to comply with these requirements will disqualify the application. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want materials returned. Completed applications (one original and 8 copies) must be received by hand at the Town Clerk's office by 3:00PM on October 15 or be postmarked with that date. Acknowledgment In all published materials and announcements regarding the activities supported by LCC funds, the sponsoring group or individual must acknowledge this support with a written and/or verbal credit statement or by using the MCC logo. The credit statement is "This program is supported in part by a grant from the Dighton Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency." The logo is available online at www.massculturalcouncil.org/contracts/logos.html or from the MCC on a camera-ready slick sheet, or on diskette (Mac or PC). This credit is required by the MCC and failure to comply may jeopardize future funding. RESPONSIBILITY OF GRANTEES A final report on the project must be submitted with the request for reimbursement. This report should include a description and/or evaluation of the project, a final accounting of funds received and spent (including matching grants), and appropriate documentation, such as printed programs, copies of press coverage or reviews, verifying letters, photographs, slides or audio/video tapes. Failure to submit a final report will make an applicant ineligible for future funding. If the project includes a public performance with paid admission, the grantee should make available two complimentary tickets to the Dighton Cultural Council