Frequently Asked
Questions
What is the Adams Arts Program?
The Adams Arts Program is a grant program of the Massachusetts Cultural
Council that seeks to promote economic and community development
through the arts, sciences and humanities in Massachusetts.
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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:
- Aid in the revitalization of neighborhoods and communities
- Improve the infrastructure and viability of the creative industries
- Stimulate increased participation and engagement in cultural
and creative 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
For implementation grants, a dynamic partnership among stakeholders
is a fundamental project component. Partnerships must involve at
least three organizations that are prepared to lead the project
over time. One of the partners must be a cultural organization incorporated
in Massachusetts. Other partners may include: non-cultural organizations,
private, for-profit businesses, educational institutions and state
and federal agencies. Each organization is expected to make a significant
contribution to the project.
For clarification, the primary or lead partner is the main project
contact for the MCC and has fiscal responsibility for the grant.
A partnering organization is involved in making decisions about
the future direction of the project on a regular and ongoing basis.
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How much money can I receive through the
Adams Arts Program?
Planning Grants: Up to $5,000.
Implementation Grants: The maximum grant request
is $75,000 per year. Most projects are funded at less than this
amount. The average grant in 2010 was $35,000.
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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, 2011 to December 31, 2011
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When is the application deadline?
| Planning and Implementation: Intent to Apply |
Friday, Sept. 10, 2010 |
| Implementation: Draft Application – narrative and budget only
|
Thursday, Sept. 30, 2010 |
| Planning and Implementation: Final Application |
Friday, Nov. 5, 2010 |
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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: Planning grants are reviewed by
an internal team of program and executive staff at MCC. The MCC board
makes all final award decisions.
Implementation grants: The Adams Advisory Committee convenes to discuss the applications. 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 will be funded.
The Adams Advisory Committee is an independent group of peers comprised of cultural and community economic development professionals, including members of the MCC board.
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Who can I contact for more information?
Please contact Meri
Jenkins, Program Director, or Christina
Farrell, Program Coordinator, at 617-727-3668.
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