The MCC distributes funds to local and regional cultural councils, who then regrant funds to arts, humanities, and interpretive science projects in their own communities. A hallmark of the Local Cultural Council program is the emphasis on local autonomy and decision making. Councils are free to make funding decisions that best meet the particular needs and priorities of their community within the parameters of the broad state guidelines. All councils conduct community input to gather feedback about their community's specific interests and needs – and many councils develop local guidelines to support those community needs. Applicants should contact their LCC before completing an application to learn about any local guidelines and priorities.

There are currently 329 local and regional councils that represent all 351 cities and towns in the Commonwealth. The program is administered by 2,400 municipally appointed volunteers serving statewide – many who have full time jobs and volunteer for other organizations.

Individuals, schools, and cultural organizations are eligible to apply for project support from their local council. LCC grants funds projects such as afterschool programs, concerts, festivals, lectures, theater, dance, music, and film. LCC projects take place in schools, community centers, libraries, elder care facilities, town halls, parks – anywhere communities come together. Please read the LCC Program Guidelines for more information and to learn about the criteria and eligibility of the LCC Program.

Many Local Cultural Councils also provide funding for cultural field trips through the PASS Program which subsidize the cost of admission for students to attend performances, educational tours and exhibits.

Exemplary LCC projects are eligible to be further recognized by the Gold Star Awards. LCC-funded projects are nominated by Local Cultural Councils and are evaluated by the Massachusetts Cultural Council based on a variety of criteria. Collectively, Gold Star projects demonstrate the ways that culture contributes to the quality of life in cities and towns across the Commonwealth.

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