Mass Cultural Council | Grant Programs

"The tradition in this state… of public support for the arts goes all the way back to the original Constitution — written by John Adams — which says it will be the public duty of the government to support the arts, support the sciences, to support education, for all levels of society. We’ve got to raise children to appreciate the arts."

— Historian David McCullough, two-time winner of the Pulitzer Prize
and winner of the 1999 Commonwealth Awards

ADA Cultural Access Grants
Offered by VSA arts of Massachusetts with support from the MCC, these grants create opportunities for cultural organizations to engage artists, humanists and interpretive scientists with disabilities in the creative work of the organizations.

Adams Arts Program
Support through the disbursement of cultural economic development grants including grants for cultural activities that have the capacity to revitalize communities, stimulate income, create or enhance jobs, and attract tourism.

Artist Fellowships
Fellowships to artists in recognition of exceptional work.

Arts Immersion Teacher Institutes
The MCC will award $25,000 each to three institutes offered by Massachusetts non-profit organizations, schools, universities, and others.

Creative Schools Program
Support for schools and school districts to strengthen teaching and learning in the arts, humanities and sciences.

Cultural Facilities Fund
A new initiative of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the goal of the Fund is to increase investments from both the public sector and the private sector to support the sound planning and development of cultural facilities in Massachusetts.

Local Cultural Council Program
Local Cultural Councils serving every city and town in Massachusetts offer grants to projects benefiting their community (including the PASS Program).

New England States Touring Program (NEST)
A cooperative program between the New England Foundation for the Arts (NEFA) and the state arts agencies of New England that provides support to nonprofits for performances, readings, and related community activities by artists that have met the eligibility criteria for the NEST Program. Become a NEST-eligible Artist (PDF).

Organizational Support Program
Multi-year matching grants to nonprofit cultural organizations with track records of excellence and community service.

YouthReach
Multi-year grants for partnerships that provide substantive arts activities for young people "at-risk."