Planning Grant Application

Planning grants will support processes to identify and refine appropriate cultural economic development objectives prior to implementation.

Planning grants will fund the direct expenses connected to project planning including:

• Meetings with advisors, project partners, and representatives of target audiences or other groups
• Preliminary beneficiary/audience evaluation
• Planning consultants
• Travel to sites, or to other resources
• Data collection necessary to inform the plan’s outcomes
• Other costs associated with the planning process

Planning grants cannot be used for:

• Professional development
• Expenses for programs
• General operations, including the staff time of any of the organizations involved
• Costs of applying for assistance
• Fundraising
• Purchase of equipment
• Costs associated with implementing a plan
• Costs incurred before the date the grant is approved

Review Criteria
Awards will be based on the following:

• The originality of the concept to be investigated
• Extent to which the concept aligns with the Adams Arts Program goals
• Extent to which the proposed planning framework, methods, and analyses are logical, well integrated, and appropriate to the aims of the project
• Extent to which the proposed planning activities will assist in making informed decisions about how and if to proceed with an implementation plan
• Qualifications of the organizations, stakeholders, and consultants involved
• A suitable budget

Application Review Process
Planning grants are reviewed by an internal team of program and executive staff at MCC. Funding recommendations are made to the MCC board who make all final award decisions.

Reporting Requirements and Grant Cancellations
Recipients of planning grants are required to submit a report at the end of the funding period that includes a narrative description and financial documentation of the project’s past activities as well as a description of and budgetary information on future activities

The MCC has the right to withhold, reduce, or cancel grants if a partnership:

• Fails to comply with the terms of the grant contract
• Does not notify the MCC of significant changes in the project and/or partners
• Is unable to raise the required match
• Demonstrates inadequate financial management and oversight
• Does not properly credit MCC support
• Misses deadlines for grant reports

Planning Grant Application Process

The application process is a multi-step process.

1. Contact MCC program staff to confirm eligibility and to discuss any questions you may have about the Adams program and the application procedures. This initial call will also help you decide whether to proceed with the next steps in the application process.

2. Submit the Intent to Apply form (PDF) by September 7, 2007
   Application forms are savable PDFs. You will need Adobe's FREE Acrobat Reader 7.0 or higher to access them.

   The intent to apply formally launches the Massachusetts Cultural Council's review process. It is your first opportunity to explain your project idea.

   Intent to Apply forms may be mailed or hand-delivered to:
   Christina Hogan
   John and Abigail Adams Arts Program
   Massachusetts Cultural Council
   10 St. James Avenue, 3rd Floor
   Boston, MA 02116-3803

3. Submit your complete Planning Grant Application by Monday, November 5, 2007

   APPLICATION CHECKLIST

   Assemble your application in the order listed below. Use the checklist to make sure you have included all the required paperwork.

   Do not submit bound books. Photocopies are acceptable.

   ____ Planning Grant Application Form (PDF)

   Application forms are savable PDFs. You will need Adobe's FREE Acrobat Reader 7.0 or higher to access them.

   ____ Planning Narrative (2 pages)

   Submit a two-page narrative outlining the planning process to be undertaken, and describe how the funds will be used. On a separate page, provide a budget and identify the source/s of matching funds.

   ____ Partnering Organization List

   Include a list of all the organizations involved and a contact's name, phone and email address for each.

   ____ Project Budget

   Be sure to identify the source of matching funds.

   ____ Resumes or Biographies (½ page each)

   Include a brief half-page paragraph or biographical sketch for each key person involved with the project. Biographies that are longer than a half-page will not be reviewed.

   ____ Letters of Support (up to 3)

   Include up to 3 letters of support from organizations not participating in the project. For advice about such letters, contact program staff.

   ____ Lead Organization Audited Statements

   Include the lead organization’s most recent financial or audited statement. Applicants with annual incomes exceeding $500,000 must submit audited financial statements. Municipalities are not required to submit financial statements.

Submission Instructions
Submit two copies of the application for whatever program category you have selected. One copy should be clearly marked ORIGINAL. Please do not staple materials. Font size should be no smaller than 12 point. Allow a 1-inch margin on all sides to allow for the copying and binding of review books. All items are required for an application to be considered complete.

• Applications must be hand-delivered by 5 p.m. or postmarked on Monday, November 5, 2007, or dated by carriers such as UPS, Federal Express, etc.
• Applications must be complete upon submission. Late application materials will not be accepted for review.
• Email and faxed applications will not be accepted.
• MAIL or HAND DELIVER all applications to the MCC office at the following address:

  Christina Hogan
  Program Coordinator
  John and Abigail Adams Arts Program
  Massachusetts Cultural Council
  10 St. James Avenue, 3rd Floor
  Boston, MA 02116