Manchester Cultural Council

Amount Available for Granting in FY 2013

$4,065

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

Based on community input, the Manchester Cultural Council gives priority to projects that foster community-wide participation (such as festivals and concerts); support art education for children and nature, science, and environmental activities for all ages; and celebrate local history and cultural diversity. Other priorities include projects that are accessible to all residents, take place in a local venue, and show local support.

Local Guidelines

Review Criteria

The Manchester Cultural Council evaluates grant applications based on benefit to the community, artistic/creative merit, clarity of the proposal, and evidence of planning, as well as on the qualifications and track record of the applicant.

• Proposed programs/events must have a Manchester sponsor, a local venue, and a date. A letter from the sponsor must accompany the application.
• Proposed programs/events must have a specific focus and objective, and applications must include a detailed description of the program/event with adequate supporting materials (e.g., resumes, samples, testimonials) and a complete budget, including information on other sources of funding.
• Individuals and organizations are limited to one (1) application per grant cycle (year).
• Programs/events funded for two (2) years will have a lower priority in subsequent years.
• Proposed programs/events must occur between July 1, 2012 and December 31, 2013.
• Applicants must submit one (1) typed (word processed) and signed original and supporting documents, plus seven (7) copies of the grant application.

• Program/Event fees -- Programs that are free to the public are given priority.
• Available funding -- Average grants tend to be in the $200 to $500 range.
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• Field trip tickets (formerly PASS grants) – Applications are accepted for the purchase of tickets for cultural field trips for children (pre-K through Grade 12).
• Capital expenditures (an item or group of items with a life expectancy of more than three (3) years and a total cost of more than $500) – Applications to acquire, improve, or maintain facilities or equipment will be reviewed only if they clearly demonstrate a one-time or special need and a long-term public benefit and a 2:1 match of funding (1 part Manchester Cultural Council grant, 2 parts other sources); applications must include Section B - "Supplemental Questions for Capital Expenditures." Schools, libraries, and religious institutions or organizations are not eligible to apply for capital expenditures.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the Council to discuss proposed programs, especially requests for capital expenditures and those that may require admission fees and for field trip tickets.

For program information and applications that you can download and fill in on your computer, visit the Local Cultural Council Program page on the Massachusetts Cultural Council web site. We strongly encourage you to fill out your application using the online tools to take advantage of the Glossary and Sample Applications. However, Standard Grant Application and Field Trip Grant Application forms are available at the Manchester Public Library and at the Town Hall.

Send application and support materials to:

Manchester Cultural Council
Town Hall
10 Central Street
Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA 01944

All applications must be postmarked by October 15, 2012.