Amount Available for Granting in FY 2013
$7,669
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
The Hardwick-New Braintree Cultural Council gathers input from the community every three years and develops funding priorities based on this feedback. The Hardwick-New Braintree Cultural Council gives priority to applicants that have secured a local venue and have a strong community benefit. We try to fund a variety of programs that reach a wide age and interest range.
Local Guidelines
PROGRAM PURPOSE AND REVIEW CRITERIA :
The purpose of the Hardwick-New Braintree Cultural Council is to promote and maintain the vitality of local cultural resources and to ensure these resources are shared within the towns of Hardwick and New Braintree. The Council is committed to funding a diverse cross-section of activities. We support a broad variety of art forms, environmental education projects, collaborative proposals that bring together artists and other types of organizations, local cultural groups, and projects that serve specific populations -- youth, elders, low-income, disabled.
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. Hardwick and New Braintree-based applicants are given preference over those from out of town. The council will carefully scrutinize repeated requests; such proposals should show other sources of support to show the project is not dependent solely on council funding.
ELIGIBILITY:
Applicants can be: arts, humanities or interpretive science organizations; individuals including artists, science educators, historians or other humanists, parents, community members, etc.; community organizations including, but not limited to, schools, social service organizations, civic groups, neighborhood centers, youth, senior and family associations, etc. Incorporated organizations must be nonprofit; unincorporated associations must have a nonprofit purpose.
TIMELINE:
Completed applications must be received or postmarked by October 15. Send application and support materials to the Hardwick-New Braintree Cultural Council, 200 Unitas Road, New Braintree, MA 01531.
Application deadline -- October 15
Notification of disapproved applications -- November 21
Notification of approval -- January
Reimbursement requests due -- (one year from approval notification)
APPLICATION PROCESS:
All applications must be typed or word processed. The application form can be completed and printed out at www.massculturalcouncil.org/applications/lccapp.html. The local libraries all have Internet access. When filling out the application, use the space provided to answer questions. One additional 8 1/2"x 11" page to complete questions is allowed. Include the original and one set of supporting materials, such as resume(s) of key personnel, organizational brochures, letters of support/commitment, artist samples (video, slides, writings, portfolio, etc.). Answer questions clearly, simply and as completely as space allows. Describe the project and any collaborators, and address the review criteria. The budget is divided into Project Expenses and Revenue (income). These must equal. You can include in-kind donations, that is, services, materials or facilities which are provided at no cash cost to you. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want materials returned. Completed applications must be received by mail at 200 Unitas Road, New Braintree, MA 01531 by October 15, or be postmarked with that date.
FUNDING:
Payments are made on a reimbursement basis only. Reimbursements generally take 4 to 6 weeks. Applicants are sent a reimbursement form to use for their payment request. In addition, applicants must submit a completed program evaluation form with their reimbursement request. Projects and payment requests need to be completed within one 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. 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 $250 to $1,500. 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.
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 Hardwick-New Braintree 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. This credit is required by the MCC and failure to comply may jeopardize future funding.