Frequently Asked Questions
When is the application deadline?
There is no deadline. Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served 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 2009-2010 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 nonprofit cultural institution that provide 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, movie theaters, and shopping malls.
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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 2010-2011. 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 to the MCC within 30 days of receiving your approval. Your payment will be sent within 30 days after the MCC has received your completed contract. If you are a public school, the funds will be sent electronically to your town treasurer. If you are not a public school, the funds will be sent directly to your school.
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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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What is the relationship between Big Yellow School Bus and the PASS Program?
The PASS Program, like Big Yellow School Bus, funds cultural field trips for children in grades Pre-K - 12. The PASS Program is administered by the Local Cultural Council Program and subsidizes ticket costs, and to a lesser extent transportation costs, for cultural field trips.
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Who can I contact for more information?
Diane Daily at 617-727-3668 x262
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