The Westford Cultural Council’s mission is to enhance the quality of life in our community by supporting the arts, humanities, and sciences. This goal is pursued through an annual granting process that begins in October. Each year, the WCC receives funds from the state to be allocated to grant applicants. Organizations or individual artists may submit grant applications for programs benefitting the Westford community.
Over the past 5 years, we have funded everything from science education in the elementary schools through the Living Lab, to Swing Dancing for senior citizens. The programs funded have taken place in the Westford schools, the J. V Fletcher Memorial Library, the Westford Museum, the PCA, the Roudenbush Community Center, and the Cameron senior center.
In addition to the funds for grants that we receive from the state, local cultural councils may also accept contributions to be used for sponsoring events such as the July 3, 2010 Summer Fun event described below.
News & Events
We're now accepting grant applications. Due date is Oct 15. Go to the end of this page to see contact information.
A Grant Application Review meeting is scheduled for
Thursday, October 25th, 2012
7:00-9:00 PM
United Methodist Church
10 Church St., Westford, MA.
Summer Fun on the Common
Fantastically shaped bubbles floated through the air. Fire engine red Frisbees flew across the common. Delighted children, their cheeks and arms adorned with whimsical face-painting designs, played games, engaged in crafts, and otherwise frolicked on the Westford Common at the free Family Fun event sponsored by the Westford Cultural Council (WCC) on Saturday, July 3rd. Face painting and games were provided by Cultural Council members, assisted by enthusiastic volunteers from Westford Academy. The enchanting Mrs. Junkbox (aka, Emily Piper of Rumphius Creativity Unhinged) arrived like Mary Poppins to enthrall youngsters and their parents as she guided them in magically transforming old newspapers and other recycled materials into lovely sunbonnets, perfect for the day.
The Westford Fire Dept. opened the firehouse for children of all ages to explore. Families left the firehouse with a renewed appreciation for the important work done by Westford’s firefighters – and red Frisbees to boot! Boy Scout Troop 159 supplied drinks. Even Mother Nature contributed by providing a perfect summer day!
But the main event that approximately 90 residents came to see and hear was the musical performance of the bluegrass band Boston Road. Comprised mostly of Westford residents, the band performed original compositions, state-themed songs, and covers of bluegrass classics. The exquisite vocal styling of Kristen Vegeto was ably backed by Matt Valencius on banjo, Claude Galinsky on mandolin, Pete Vegeto on guitar, and Rick Posch on bass. During the break, Mike Vegeto entertained the audience with acoustic guitar.
A great time was had by all!
Amount Available for Granting in FY 2013
$3,780
Applications for field trips are not accepted. (Formerly known as PASS applications.)
LCC Program Guidelines (PDF)
The postmark deadline for applications is October 15
Funding Priorities
Based on the Community Input Survey conducted in 2009 on the Westford town website, the residents of Westford indicated the following funding priorities for the next 3 years:
- Public events such as concerts & festivals
- Support for local artists and cultural organizations
- Arts in the schools & youth arts programs outside of school
- Senior citizen entertainment
A community input survey is conducted every 3 years so that funding allocation can reflect the needs and wishes of the residents of Westford.
Local Guidelines
Thank you for your interest in the cultural enrichment of the Westford community. The Council has prepared this document to assist you in completing your application and to explain this year’s grant review guidelines. Grant applications will be assessed and rated based on the following criteria:
1. The program (or project) has a clear statement of purpose.
2. The program clearly indicates viability for successful implementation.
3. The program takes place in Westford and/or benefits residents from Westford.
4. The program is scheduled to take place during the 18 month period between July 1st preceding the application deadline and December 31st of the following year. (18 months later). Applicants that request funding for a project occurring before the local cultural council holds its voting meeting will not know the outcome of their grant application until after their project begins.
5. The program benefits a large number of people in the community, or an underserved segment of the population.
6. Programs that are repeated requests will be carefully scrutinized. Such proposals should show other sources of support to show the project is not solely dependent on council funding.
All grants will be reviewed and awarded following the criteria outlined above; no applications will be excluded from consideration.
(For a complete explanation of the state guidelines for awarding funding, please refer on-line to www.massculturalcouncil.org/programs/lccgrants.html).
-Applications should be typewritten or clearly printed. Applications are very easy to complete on-line at www.massculturalcouncil.org/applications/lccapp.html
-All sections of the application must be filled out.
-Applications must be signed.
-Retain a copy for your records.
-Submit one copy of your completed application to:
Westford Cultural Council
Town Hall
55 Main St
Westford, MA 01886
Applications must be received or postmarked by Monday, October 15, 2012 or they cannot be considered.
All Westford Cultural Council meetings are posted at the Town Hall and are open to the public.
A Grant Application Review meeting is scheduled for
Thursday, October 25th, 2012
7:00-9:00 PM
United Methodist Church
10 Church St., Westford, MA
We encourage you to attend this meeting to briefly present or answer questions about your grant.
If you have any questions about filling out the application, feel free to contact a Westford Cultural Council member designated with an asterisk.
Members of the Westford Cultural Council
Norman Bristol, Chair (978) 692-9604