Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Adams Arts Program?
The Adams Arts Program fosters and promotes the use of cultural assets as an economic development tool. The goal of the program is to maximize the economic impact of the cultural sector in Massachusetts by funding initiatives that connect artists and cultural organizations to local and state economic development efforts, nurture new arts and cultural enterprise development, raise awareness of the Commonwealth’s cultural products, and increase arts and cultural visitors to the state.
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What kinds of projects will the Adams Arts Program support?
There are two grant categories: Planning and Implementation. In both categories,
the MCC is interested in cultural economic development projects
that require seed funding to:
- Produce new revenue
- Create or enhance jobs
- Revitalize communities
- Stimulate increased participation and engagement in cultural activities by residents and visitors
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Who is eligible to apply?
- Not-for-profit entities based or incorporated in Massachusetts under section 501c3 of the Internal Revenue Service Code
- Public sector entities
One of the partners must be a cultural organization incorporated in Massachusetts. Partners may include:
- Private, for-profit businesses and organizations
- State and federal agencies
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How much money can I receive through the Adams Arts Program?
Planning Grants: Up to $5,000.
Implementation Grants: Up to $75,000 per year.
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Is there a matching requirement?
Yes.
Planning Grants: Grants must be matched in cash on a
1:4 basis. That is, for every MCC dollar, the applicant must raise $0.25.
The match must be secured by the time of application.
Implementation Grants: Grants must be matched on at least
a 1:1 basis. 80 percent of the match must be in cash and 20 percent may be in-kind support.
Matching funds must be secured by the end of the funding period.
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What is the funding period?
January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2010
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When is the application deadline?
| Intent to apply |
Thursday, Sept. 10, 2009 |
| Draft application (Implementation Grants only) - narrative and budget only |
Thursday, Oct. 1, 2009 |
| Final application |
Friday, Oct. 30, 2009 |
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Where do I find the guidelines?
They are available online: Planning Grants and Implementation Grants.
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How will the application and grant approval process work?
This depends on the category you are submitting an application under.
Planning grants: An internal team of program and executive
staff at MCC reviews the applications. Funding recommendations are made
to the MCC board who make all final award decisions.
Implementation
grants: In the first step of the process, an external reader and the Adams Program staff read the applications to access whether the application aligns with the Adams Program objectives. At this stage, applications may be eliminated from review by the Adams Advisory Committee. The Adams Advisory Committee is an independent group of peers comprised of cultural and economic development professionals, including one or more members of the MCC board. The Committee convenes to discuss the applications brought forward for review. Based on the Committee’s recommendations, the MCC board makes all final award decisions. The grant application process is highly competitive and not all applicants are likely to be funded.
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Who can I contact for more information?
Please contact Meri Jenkins,
Program Director, or Christina
Hogan, Program Coordinator, at 617-727-3668.
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