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Frequently Asked Questions

When is the application deadline?
There is no deadline. Applications are reviewed on a "first-received, first-funded" basis. Grants will be awarded until funds run out.

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Can an independent or parochial school apply?
Yes, all Massachusetts schools serving grades K-12 are eligible to apply.

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My school received a Big Yellow School Bus grant during the 2010-2011 school year. Can we apply again this year?
Yes. Each school is eligible to receive one grant per school year.

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Someone else in my school already received a grant for this school year. Can I apply too?
No. Each school can only receive one grant per school year.

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What qualifies as a "non-profit cultural institution or event"?
Eligible field trips are to places run by a non-profit cultural institution that provides programs in the arts, humanities, and interpretive sciences, such as art and science museums, historic sites, and music, theater, and dance performances. Activities may include performances, educational tours, and exhibitions. Types of trips that DO NOT qualify for funding are trips to sporting events, amusement parks, and movie theaters.

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Can we get a grant to travel to a destination outside of Massachusetts?
No, only destinations within Massachusetts are eligible.

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We want to go on more than one field trip in 2011-2012. Can we apply for another grant?
No, only one grant will be awarded per school per school year.

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How will we know that MCC received our application?
Once you've successfully submitted your online application, a confirmation screen will appear.

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How will we know if our application was approved or not?
You will receive an email from the MCC within one week of submitting your application telling you whether or not the application has been approved. Be sure your email account is set to allow messages from diane.daily@art.state.ma.us.

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How do we get the money?
First, follow the link in the approval email to the one-page contract. Complete this and mail it to the MCC within 30 days of receiving your approval. Your grant funds will be electronically transferred within 30 days after we receive your completed contract. The funds will be sent electronically as a direct deposit as follows:

    Public schools: grants are sent to the town treasurer. Please keep a copy of your signed contract. Your town or city treasurer will likely need it for their records and to help them get your school’s reimbursement onto a warrant. You must contact the town treasurer to access your funds.

    Charter schools, schools within a regional school district, parochial, or private schools: grants will be sent directly to the school or school district.

    Boston Public Schools: grant payments are forwarded to BEDF at 26 Court Street. Contact BEDF at 617-635-9019.
    Worcester Public Schools: contact Linda Nowosacki at the WPS Grant Office at 508-799-3112.

Note: The MCC does not have the ability to write checks to schools.

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We submitted our contract but have not yet received our payment. Where is the money?
Funds granted to public schools are sent in the form of an electronic transfer to the treasurer of your city or town within 30 days after MCC has received your completed contract. If you have not received payment, please check with your town Treasurer's Office. They probably have held the funds in the Arts Lottery Fund. If approved for a grant, please notify your town's treasurer that the payment will arrive within 30 days so they are aware the money is coming to you.

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Who arranges for the bus and pays the bus company?
All bus company arrangements and payments are made by you or your school.

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Who can I contact for more information?
Diane Daily at 617-727-3668 x262

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© Massachusetts Cultural Council 2012