LCC Program Information - About Your LCC

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Plymouth Cultural Council

PO Box 1785
Plymouth, MA 02362

day 508/747-1620 x341
evening 508/224-7869

email plymouthculturalcouncil@yahoo.com

Amount Available for Granting in FY 2011

(information not yet available)

PASS applications are accepted.

LCC Program Guidelines (PDF)

Local Guidelines

LOCAL GUIDELINES AND INFORMATION

What is the Plymouth Cultural Council mission and purpose?

The mission of the Plymouth Cultural Council (PCC) is to promote excellence, diversity and innovation in the arts, humanities and interpretive sciences through education, access and local involvement so that artists can thrive economically; and all citizens can participate in a vital arts community. We are a group of interested residents whose purpose is to support community-based projects and activities in the arts, humanities and interpretive sciences to benefit the residents of Plymouth. We are appointed by the selectmen to dispense public funding allocated by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency; and are responsible for informing the public about the availability of public funding for cultural projects and for reviewing and approving LCC and PASS grant applications.

What is the LCC Grant Program?

The Local Cultural Council Program is the MCC's second largest grant program, the largest decentralized program of its kind in the United States. The budget of the MCC is determined annually by the state Legislature. Allocations are made to all of Massachusetts' 351 cities and towns to support community cultural activities. Events/activities must be held in physically accessible facilities. PCC awards typically range from $250 to $1,500. 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. 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.

What is the PASS Program?

PASS provides funds for the purchase of tickets and/or transportation for cultural field trips for children (pre K-12) in public, private and parochial schools, as well as those in special needs, after-school and other youth groups. Activities, which include performances, educational tours or exhibits and museum visits, must take place outside of the school setting. Tickets must cost $12 or less. Events must be chosen from an approved roster published by the MCC. PASS application forms are available at the main library. PASS grant applications and the PASS Roster are on line at www.massculturalcouncil.org.

Who qualifies for funding?

Any Massachusetts-based individuals, artists, community groups, cultural institutions, and schools with a cultural project that has a public benefit component can apply for a grant. 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. Examples: arts, humanities or interpretive science organizations; individuals including artists, science educators, historians or other humanists, parents, community members, community organizations including, but not limited to, schools, social service organizations, business and civic groups, churches, neighborhood centers, youth, senior and family associations; and organizations or associations (for profit and non-profit) with cultural projects for a nonprofit purpose.? School-related or municipal proposals must be for enrichment activities and not for programs, supplies or salaries that should be part of the school or town budget.

What criteria is used to make grant decisions?

PCC looks for:

consistency with PCC mission
under-represented programming in our community
sponsorship by local organizations - artists must include a letter of support from the partner agency when applying to be considered
artistic or creative merit
under-served audiences (currently teens and seniors)
qualifications and track record of sponsor
first time applicants
community benefit and involvement
collaboration between community groups
submission by local applicants
quality of activity & clarity of project design
proposals showing a match of cash or service

What might cause my application to not be considered?

guidelines were not followed
plan is uncertain: unclear purpose; vague, unconfirmed details about date and/or venue
late submission
focus in not clearly related to the arts, humanities or interpretive sciences
application was not typed
project takes place prior to annual deadline of October 15h
application was not signed
budget is not correct, lacks detail, is unrealistic, and/or does not fit guidelines
applicant has received grant money 3 years in a row, and/or continues to be solely dependent on LCC money

What is the application process?

Applications are available at the main Plymouth Public Library, 132 South Street, Plymouth. All applications must be typed or word processed. Also, the application form can be completed and printed out at http://massculturalcouncil.org/applications/lccapp.html. 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 TEN 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, 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.
Applications must be post-marked by October 15, 2009. Mail to Plymouth Cultural Council, P. O. Box 1785, Plymouth, MA 02362, DO NOT LEAVE APPLICATIONS AT TOWN HALL AS THEY WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

What is the grant award process?

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. PCC reviews applications in November, and may vote to fund totally, partially fund, or not fund applicants. Un-funded applicants are notified in writing late November. Applicants who have been denied may request reconsideration in writing within 15 days of denial if they feel that the PCC has not followed published review procedure or state and local guidelines; but they cannot dispute PCC's decision on artistic grounds or if they are unsatisfied with the amount of the grant award. Approved applicants are notified of the amount of their grant(s) in writing mid January.

How will I be reimbursed??

Payments are made on a reimbursement basis only. Reimbursements generally take 6 to 8 weeks. Applicants are sent a n MCC reimbursement form which is required for their payment request. This form can also be found at www.massculturalcouncil.org/contracts/lccreim.pdf. To be reimbursed, the Town of Plymouth also requires applicants to fill out and submit IRS Form W-9, Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification, which can be found at www.irs/gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw9.pdf. 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. 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. PCC should receive adequate notice and invitation to the funded event. Projects and payment requests need to be completed within a year of the final award notification.
To receive reimbursement, grantees must acknowledge the source of funding, either by using the MCC logo or the following credit line in all verbal and written promotion: "This program is supported in part by a grant from the [Town] Cultural Council, a local agency supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency." Applicants submit their final report, documentation (news; receipts, etc.), and payment request form with original signature within 60 days of project completion, not later than the following January.

Timeline

Community meeting and grants help -- Call or email the Council
Application deadline -- Oct. 15 (postmarked )
Notification of disapproved applications - late November
Notification of approval -- mid January
Final reports and payment requests due - the following January (one year from final approval notification)

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Plymouth Cultural Council

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Amount Available for Granting in FY 2011

Local Guidelines

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