Sheffield Cultural Council

Amount Available for Granting in FY 2012

$4,000

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

LCC Program Guidelines (PDF)

The postmark deadline for applications is October 15

Local Guidelines

SHEFFIELD CULTURAL COUNCIL Local Priorities and Guidelines Effective: August 25, 2011 The Sheffield Cultural Council gathers input from the community every two years and develops funding priorities based on this feedback. This year the Sheffield Cultural Council will give priority to applicants that present projects that serve youth or the elderly, projects that benefit the local community, and projects that focus on local history and culture. PROGRAM PURPOSE AND REVIEW CRITERIA The purpose of the Sheffield Cultural Council is to promote and maintain the vitality of local cultural resources and to ensure these resources are shared within the Sheffield and Ashley Falls community. The Council is committed to funding a diverse cross-section of activities. We support a 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, and projects that serve specific populations - youth, elders, low-income, and/or 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 the Sheffield and Ashley Falls 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. Sheffield and Ashley Falls-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 such as schools, social service organizations, business and civic groups, neighborhood centers, youth, senior and family associations. Incorporated organizations must be nonprofit; unincorporated associations must have a nonprofit purpose. Individual applicants are required to be residents of Massachusetts for at least one year; organizations must be organized and operating in the state for at least one year. TIMELINE Completed applications must be received or postmarked by October 15. Send application and support materials to the Sheffield Cultural Council, P.O. Box 325, Sheffield, MA 01257. Community input and applications – September 10 from 12:00 - 5:00 at Sheffield in Celebration Fair at Sheffield Town Park. Grant writing assistance – October 1 from 10:00 – 12:00 at Bushnell-Sage Library, 48 Main Street, Sheffield. Application deadline – October 15 Notification of disapproved applications – November 21 Notification of approval – January Reimbursement requests due – (one year from approval notification) The local council reviews all applications and submits its funding recommendations to the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Applicants should not implement any project or publicize receipt of any award until official state approval has been received since the MCC may overturn or amend local decisions. APPLICATION PROCESS All applications must be typed or word processed. The application form can be completed and printed out at http://www.massculturalcouncil.org/applications/lccapp.doc. The library has access to the Internet. 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 three copies with 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 hand at the Sheffield Town Clerk’s office by October 15 or be postmarked with that date. FUNDING Payments are made on a reimbursement basis only. Reimbursements generally take 3 to 6 weeks. Applicants are sent a reimbursement form to use for their payment 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 $150 to $400. 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. ACKNOWLEDGMENT In all published materials and announcements regarding the activities supported by Sheffield Cultural Council 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 Sheffield 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. FOR MORE INFORMATION The Chair of the Sheffield Cultural Council, Trudy Miller, is available to answer your questions. She can be contacted by e.mail at trudyweavermiller@msn.com or by phone at 413-441-6446. E.mail is preferred. Council members are also available on September 10 from 12:00 - 5:00 at the Sheffield in Celebration Fair at the Town Park and on October 1 from 10:00 - Noon at the Bushnell-Sage Library to hand out application forms and answer questions about grant applications and proposals.