Melrose Cultural Council Accepting Grant Proposals
The Melrose Cultural Council (MCC) is seeking proposals for community-oriented arts, cultural, and interpretive sciences events with broad public benefit. The 2023 Local Cultural Council (LCC) grant application cycle opens September 1st and the deadline is Monday, October 17th.
The MCC's goal is to provide financial support on a direct granting basis to a variety of projects that appeal to the diverse population and cultures of our community — reaching adults of all ages, youth, children, families, and seniors. Information about the online application, eligibility guidelines, local priorities, and past grants can be found on our website www.melroseculture.org.
Grant Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must have a date scheduled for their event during the upcoming calendar year (January 1-December 31, 2023) with a local ADA-compliant venue. Applicants are urged to closely read and follow the LCC Program eligibility guidelines and local priorities on the website. The Melrose Cultural Council grants partial funds for approved projects. Proposals must demonstrate they have additional sources of funding (sponsorship, ticket sales, etc.). We do not accept requests for capital expenditures, individual scholarships, refreshments, or multi-year repeating programs. We encourage first-time applications. Organizers considering writing a proposal are welcome to contact the MCC to ask questions or to receive feedback on proposals before submitting. Grants are competitive and not all requests are awarded. Twenty-two grants were awarded in 2022, ranging from $300 to $2,000.
Priorities
Our 2023 priorities are informed by a recent community outreach survey. We are actively encouraging applications that address inclusion, diversity, and equity. Priority will be given to projects that build community through social connections and dialogue. We hope to elevate the voices and experiences of historically underrepresented groups that reflect and highlight the current and historic diversity of Melrose residents in an authentic way, through arts and culture. Projects that speak to the experience of Massachusetts artists and audiences who identify as BIPOC, Latinx, LGBTQIA, immigrant, or live with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Proposals for innovative ideas, collaborations, and new initiatives that produce free public events and activities in outdoor spaces are favorably welcomed. Applicants are also encouraged to attend “Pitch Perfect” — a free, friendly networking event open to the public on September 10th, 9am-10:30am, at the MMTV studios at 360 Main Street in Melrose. Applicants can learn about funding opportunities in Melrose and get feedback on their creative ideas for proposals.
About the Council
The Melrose Cultural Council is the LCC of the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Part of a statewide network in cities and towns funded by the legislature, MCC is committed to supporting programs that promote excellence, education, cultural diversity, inclusion, and equity to foster a rich and vibrant cultural life in Melrose. Grants are given to Melrose organizations, individuals, and Massachusetts artists/presenters in partnership with local organizations. We encourage and support programs across all arts disciplines — visual arts, music, theater, dance, writing; projects in the humanities, history, local culture, and interpretive sciences.
Questions?
Send an email to the MCC, melrosecultural@gmail.com!