Amount Available for Granting in FY 2013

$17,404

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

EXPLANATION OF PRIORITIES

Projects must represent a solid contribution to the vitality of Pittsfield’s cultural life. While in some cases projects originating outside of Pittsfield may be funded, priority is given to those involving Pittsfield residents.

Priority will be given to:

1. projects planned by Pittsfield artists or organizations;
2. projects planned by individual artists, rather than established organizations;
3. new applications and/or new projects (as opposed to individuals/organizations which have received funding in recent cycles for the same, or similar projects);
4. projects for which the budget reflects equal expense and revenue lines and for which a thorough and complete budget has been presented.
5. projects that reach diverse audiences, especially people who do not usually benefit from arts offerings.

LIMITS OF FUNDING

1. The maximum grant amount is $2,000.
2. Council funds are not intended as the sole source of funding on projects of a continuing nature.
3. Applicants will not be funded for more than three consecutive years.
4. Projects must be financially feasible with evidence of any other committed funds presented with the application and a reasonable date of completion included in the application.

The Cultural Council does NOT fund:

1. administrative costs for salaried staff, support staff or volunteers;
2. projects that do not pay artists at a professional, or union, scale;
3. fund-raising projects;
4. materials such as paint, paper, etc.; food or beverages;
5. capital expenditures (i.e. permanent equipment), unless a case can be made for community use after project’s completion and project has a 2 to 1 match of funds (i.e. $100 from other sources to $50 from Pittsfield Cultural Council).

Please note: Cultural Council funds are not intended to substitute, replace or relieve existing responsibility for municipal or other funding of programs in the arts and humanities.

Local Guidelines

2012-2013 Grant Application Guidelines : Pittsfield Cultural Council

Deadline: October 15, 2012

Please read the following guidelines carefully. They are in addition to the LCC Program Guidelines.

REQUIREMENTS

1. Application must be complete, including budget and signature sections.
2. All applications must be mailed via the US Postal Service and postmarked by October 15, 2012
3. Please mail applications to:
   Pittsfield Cultural Council
   PO Box 1192
   Pittsfield, MA 01202-1192
   
   
   Note: Applications delivered to any other address in any other way will be ineligible.
4. Only one application will be considered from any individual or organization during each grant cycle.
5. Projects with an audience must be given in a disabilities accessible site.
6. Submit only one copy of your application. We will make copies for Council use. Keep a copy for your records.

APPROVAL, REIMBURSEMENTS, COMPLETION

1. Final approval of funding is given by the Massachusetts Cultural Council.
2. Funds granted are paid on a reimbursement basis only following project completion, or in partial payments if pre-approved by the Pittsfield Cultural Council.
3. Any changes to the project, after approval of original grant must be submitted in writing (e-mail is acceptable) and approved by the Pittsfield Cultural Council in advance of the changes.
4. Projects must be completed within eighteen months from the date of the application (for example: If application dated October 15, 2012 then completion deadline is April 15, 2014).
5. Grantees must submit a final report with proofs of financial expenditures when requesting reimbursements and the PCC logo MUST be used in all advertising materials. completed reimbursement request form with proof of expenditures (e.g. receipts) attached. Those who fail to do so may be ineligible to receive subsequent funding. The PCC logo is available in several formats here.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

1. A resume (if individual) and/or mission statement (if organization) of applicant’s qualifications is required. Consideration will be given to applicant’s accomplishments and quality of work. Slides, photographs, or tapes will not be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope.
2. Project must be clearly arts, humanities or interpretive sciences in nature.
3. Project locations (i.e. performance venue/gallery space) and dates must be secured in advance of application and a letter of confirmation from the site or sponsor must be included with the application.
4. Project proposals must be well-researched and documented, including information about other funding sources and a complete budget.

A copy of these guidelines is included in the application package along with a sample model grant application. .

There will be a grant-writing workshop and public input session on Wednesday, September 19, 2012 at 6 p.m. Location: Spice Dragon, 297 North Street, Pittsfield, MA. It is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served, and will be followed at 7 p.m. by a reception for 2012 grantees, also open to the public. If you have any questions, or if you need help, please contact any member of the Council or e-mail pittsfieldculture@yahoo.com.