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Peers Program Information
The next Peers grant deadline will be May 2014. Applications
and complete guidelines will available September 2013.
The Massachusetts Cultural Council’s (MCC) Cultural Investment
Portfolio Peers grants provide project support to nonprofit organizations
providing public programs in the arts, humanities, and interpretive
sciences. This category is the entry point to grant support through
the Cultural Investment Portfolio including:
- Organizations new to the MCC funding pool
- Groups who have been funded in the past but are not current
grantees
The Peers category also accepts applications from organizations
whose missions do not specifically focus on the arts, sciences,
or humanities (ex. social service agencies, community centers,
public access media) but devote significant resources to public
programs in one or more of these areas may apply.
Grant Counseling/Technical Assistance
Program Officer Eric
D’Alessandro (617-727-3668 x261) is available to current and/or
potential Peers grantees to provide program information, answer
questions, and give advice on preparing a competitive application
for panel review.
He is also available to current and/or potential Peers grantees
to provide technical assistance on a variety of organizational
development issues including fundraising strategy, strategic planning,
program development, board relations, audience engagement/education
programs, and evaluation.
Eligibility Requirements
Organizations seeking Peers grants must:
- be legally recognized as 501(c)3 non-profit organization;
- have completed two full years of public cultural programming
in Massachusetts;
- demonstrate public cultural program expenses of at least $10,000
cash in the most recently completed fiscal year;
- have formally stated mission statements;
- be governed by a board of directors that meets regularly to
discuss policy, strategic direction, and resource development
plans to ensure long-term sustainability;
- offer opportunities for diverse populations;
- commit to providing physical and communications access.
Grant Proposals
The applicant chooses whether to focus their application
for support on an existing project/program or something new. Applications
for general operating support are not accepted through this Cultural
Investment Portfolio category.
Regardless of the proposal’s focus all applications must demonstrate clear thought about program planning, high artistic/programmatic quality, and explain how the particular project/program provides public value for the diverse residents of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Applications consist of a short narrative and a project budget. Applicants will be asked to direct panelists to their websites, Facebook pages, blogs, Twitter feeds, etc. to provide more information about your organization and the community(ies) you serve.
Some examples of projects include (but are not limited to):
- Artistic projects that offer new approaches to their discipline or work;
- Programs, projects, or initiatives that use innovative approaches that engage new or existing audiences;
- Capacity building projects (ex. development of a strategic plan, conducting market research, board development, creation of new revenue streams)
Award Amounts
If successful the MCC provides $5,000 over two-years ($2,500 each year).
Grant Requirements
- Peer grantees are expected to participate in statewide advocacy
efforts by engaging in one advocacy activity per year. Learn
more.
- A short final report is due at the end of each grant year
- Properly credit MCC support according to stated credit and
publicity guidelines. Learn
more.
Unlike other organizations in the Cultural Investment Portfolio, Peers grantees are encouraged, but not required, to participate in the Cultural
Data Project.
Questions?
Contact Eric D'Alessandro at 617-727-3668 x 261 to confirm eligibility and to discuss any questions
you may have about the program.
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