Billerica Arts Council

What is the Billerica (Art) Cultural Council and its purpose?
We are a group of interested residents whose purpose is to support community-based projects and activities in the arts, humanities and interpretive sciences to benefit the residents of Billerica. We are appointed by the Board of Selectmen to dispense public funding allocated by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. We are responsible for informing the public about the availability of public funding for cultural projects and for reviewing and approving applications. The budget of the MCC is determined annually by the state Legislature. For more information please call Sharon Lapham - 978-667-1330

Amount Available for Granting in FY 2011

(information not yet available)

PASS applications are accepted.

LCC Program Guidelines (PDF)

Funding Priorities

From Information gathered at the Community Input meeting on May 21, 2007 and information gathered through a postcard survey, residents expressed a need and desire for more projects involving the Visual Arts, theater, music, poetry and environmental projects. A need for senior, veterans, teens and youth involvement.

In the hopes of getting many and diverse individuals and groups submitting grants to fulfill some of this need, the Council would like to encourage Collaborations: artists and various groups or clubs, student writers/artists/musicians with professional artists, film/video and environment artists/teachers just to name a few. Create your own idea. If you have questions, please contact Sharon Lapham, 978 667 1330.

Local Guidelines

What is the Billerica (Art) Cultural Council and its purpose?
We are a group of interested residents whose purpose is to support community-based projects and activities in the arts, humanities and interpretive sciences to benefit the residents of Billerica. We are appointed by the Board of Selectmen to dispense public funding allocated by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. We are responsible for informing the public about the availability of public funding for cultural projects and for reviewing and approving applications. The budget of the MCC is determined annually by the state Legislature.

Grant forms and guideline information for the 2008 grant cycle can be found online at the Massachusetts Cultural Council website: www.massculturalcouncil.org and can be accessed online, typed and printed at the Billerica Library. Grant forms will also be available at the Town Hall (Town Clerk’s office), the Billerica Library and at the BATV (Billerica Access TV). Maximum grant awards will be $1000.00. Please note: grants are paid through reimbursement upon completion of the grant project. Once your grant has been completed, submit appropriate form, invoices, financial report, summary project report, etc. and copies of promotional materials to the Billerica (Art) Cultural Council. The grant process is governed by requirements and regulations established by the MCC, failure to comply might jeopardize the grant application.

Grant applications are for the 2008 grant cycle, which begins January 1, 2008 and ends December 31, 2008. Completed applications MUST BE POSTMARKED by Oct. 15, 2007. Send your typed and completed original grant application, signed and dated, include 6 copies, along with any support materials, to the Billerica (Art) Cultural Council, Billerica Town Hall, 365 Boston Rd., Billerica, MA 01821. Include a SASE if you want any support materials returned after the grant process is completed.

The local council reviews all applications and submits its funding recommendations to the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Applicants should not implement any project or publicize receipt of any award until official state approval has been received since the MCC may overturn or amend local decisions.

Who qualifies for funding? Massachusetts-based individuals, artists, nonprofit community groups, cultural institutions and schools with a cultural project that has a public benefit component may apply. Billerica residents will be given priority. Your proposal must benefit the residents of the town of Billerica. All projects and events must take place within Billerica. We stress the need to reach the under served and under funded population. Funding cannot replace any other public funds. Matching funds will help you complete the project if the Billerica (Art) Cultural Council cannot fund your entire amount. It is a good idea to work with another group or local non-profit that will help provide you with a place to exhibit or hold your event. Reserve a place, date and time including a letter of confirmation. Outside applicants must partner with a local non-profit and provide a confirming letter. Transportation is not funded. Please view Pass Grant & scholarship, No Substitution and Non-discrimination information on the MCC website.

Proposals are evaluated by several considerations: benefit to the Billerica community (including projects that may benefit segments traditionally underserved by cultural activities); creativity and innovation, quality of the activity, evidence of planning, qualifications of the individual(s) who will lead the activity, track record of the sponsoring group and clarity of proposal. School-related proposals must be for enrichment activities and not for programs, supplies, or salaries that should be part of the school budget. Call the council for clarification about school and library requests, or about any capital expenditure requests. The Council carefully scrutinizes repeat requests; such proposals should include other sources of support to show the project is not dependent solely on Council funding.

Grant Applicants

• Tips for Grant Applicants
• LCC Grant Application (PDF, 20 KB)
• PASS Grant Application (PDF, 35 KB)

Grant Recipients

• LCC Reimbursement Form
• Credit and Publicity Kit for LCC and PASS Grant Recipients
• Download an MCC Credit Logo

FY 2010