Amount Available for Granting in FY 2012
$4,318
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
Funding Priorities for 2011-2012:
-Priority in the awarding of grants will be given to applications that reach new audiences.
-Celebrate and preserve Westport's diverse cultures history.
-Promote and support the longstanding agricultural and fishing traditions in Westport.
-Enhance school activities that reach beyond the traditional scope.
-Increase exposure of local artisans, musicians, artists, historians, educators, naturalists, and others with an interest in enhancing our cultural landscape to the larger Westport community.
-Engage many members of the community, of all ages.
-Promote good design in public places.
-Encourage more environmental responsibility.
Due to the limited funds available and the high demand for support, the council often must award smaller amounts than have been requested and asks that applicants find matching funds or scale back their projects. Awards typically range from $250 to $600. 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.
Payments are made on a reimbursement basis only. Detailed information on the reimbursement process will be sent with the final approval letter. Applicants will receive a reimbursement form to use for their payment request. Projects and payment requests need to be completed within a 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.
Local Guidelines
Effective Aug. 31, 2011
Program Purpose
The purpose of the Westport Cultural Council is to promote and maintain the vitality of local cultural resources and to ensure that these resources are shared within the Westport community. The Council is committed to funding a broad cross-section of activities that reflect Westport’s diversity. We support a wide 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 as well as community-wide projects that bring people together. Funds can be used for study, exhibition, performance, publication, pursuit and development of these cultural activities. Primary emphasis will be given to the recognition of, and provision for, the particular needs of Westport as noted in the priorities listed below.
Principal objectives are:
- To help identify and develop new cultural resources in Westport.
- To support existing cultural resources in the town and in the state.
- To involve as many citizens of Westport as possible in these cultural activities.
Review Criteria
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. Westport-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: a) arts, humanities or interpretive science organizations; b) individuals including artists, science educators, historians or other humanists, parents, community members, etc.; c) community organizations including, but not limited to, schools, social service organizations, business and civic groups, neighborhood centers, youth, senior and family associations, etc. Incorporated organizations must be nonprofit; unincorporated associations must have a nonprofit purpose. Individual applicants are required to be residents for at least one year; organizations must be organized and operating in the state for at least one year. The distribution of funds shall not be based on criteria of race, gender, religion, creed, color, age or national origin.
Timeline
Completed applications must be received or postmarked by Oct. 15. Hand-delivered applications can be dropped off at the Clerk’s Office in Town Hall, 816 Main Road or at the Westport Free Public Library on Old County Road by 4:00 p.m. on October 15. Mailed applications and support materials should be sent to the Westport Cultural Council, Town Hall, 816 Main Road, Westport, MA 02790. You must submit your original application with six copies.
Application deadline -- Oct. 15
Notification of disapproved applications -- Nov. 21
Final approval (from state review) -- on or before January 15
Final reports & payment requests due -- by January 15 (one year from final approval notification)
Application process
All applications must be typed or word-processed. The application should be as complete and detailed as possible. Provide all pertinent information with the application, including a detailed budget of anticipated income (indicating the sources of that income) and expenses. You may use additional pages where necessary, but not as a substitute for filling out the application itself. Applications involving other persons or institutions must include evidence to verify this involvement such as letters of support, bios and resumes.
The following information is required:
- Documentation of supporting factors, such as: a) support of colleagues, an institution or town body; b) permission of relevant authorities, such as town and school officials, teachers, etc.; EXAMPLE: any proposal from Westport Community Schools faculty, or from individuals or organizations involving the schools, must include a letter from Superintendent Carlos Colley. Example: any proposal to be conducted at the Westport Senior Center must have a letter from Director Mary Ellen Gomes. EXAMPLE: any program to be conducted at the Westport Free Public Library must have a letter from Director Susan Branco. c) confirmed availability of a proposed site or venue.
Contributions of materials, other in-kind assistance or money must be confirmed in a letter submitted with the application.
Failure to comply with these requirements will disqualify the application.
Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want materials returned. Completed applications must be received by hand at the Town Clerk's or the Free Public Library office by 4:00 p.m. on Oct. 15 or be postmarked with that date. You must submit the original application and six copies.
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 Westport 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 or from the MCC on a camera-ready slick sheet, or on diskette (Mac or PC). This credit is required by the MCC and failure to comply may jeopardize future funding.
RESPONSIBILITY OF GRANTEES
A final report on the project must be submitted with the request for reimbursement. This report should include a description and/or evaluation of the project, a final accounting of funds received and spent (including matching grants), and appropriate documentation, such as printed programs, copies of press coverage or reviews, verifying letters, photographs, slides or audio/video tapes. Failure to submit a final report will make an applicant ineligible for future funding.
If the project includes a public performance with paid admission, the grantee should make available two complimentary tickets to the WCC.