In order to apply for an LCC grant, applicants must meet all eligibility and criteria requirements of the LCC Program.
For more detailed information, refer to the full LCC Program Guidelines (PDF).
Amount Available for Granting in FY
2021
(Information not yet available)
The Belchertown Cultural Council strives to bring the arts to our community by focusing on local artists who are dedicated and enthusiastic about sharing their talents with our schools, community centers, and with anyone who enjoys taking in the meaningful cultural experiences that this area has to offer. We aim to counter structural inequities that have excluded individuals and communities from opportunities in our grant decision-making process.
Preference is given to applications that fall in the following categories:
- Public events
- Arts in the schools
- Educational programming
In addition to MCC requirements, the following local criteria must be met:
Public Benefit
- The project or program must take place in Belchertown (or if virtual, must be tailored to our community).
- The application must clearly articulate the benefit it brings to our community.
Venue
- If your event is planned to be held in person, you must submit a COVID-19 safety plan in compliance with current guidelines, and a backup plan to hold your event virtually if guidelines change.
- If you have not yet identified a venue or need support with virtual programs, please reach out to us at grants@belchertownculturalcouncil.com and we will assist you.
- If you have a confirmed venue, please include a letter of support.
Budget
- Grants from BCC are not intended to be the sole source of funding for your project or program, with limited exceptions.
- Your project or program must be able to proceed with only partial funding.
Caps and limitations
- BCC caps grant awards at $1,000.
- The number of grant applications that we receive, along with our state allocation, will determine if any grant applications will be fully funded or if all grant awards are partial.
- Applicants cannot receive more than two grant awards per cycle, but may submit more than two applications.
- Ongoing projects and programs cannot receive a grant award more than three years in a row.
- Grants to fund scholarships, tuition reimbursement, travel expenses, or capital expenditures are ineligible for consideration.
Letters of support
- Projects involving collaboration must include a letter of support from the collaborating organizations.
- All applicants proposing to work in the Belchertown Public Schools must receive and document approval from the Assistant Superintendent of Schools and/or the building Principal.
BCC expectations
- Representation will be expected at our Grant Reception, usually held in the spring. The date will be communicated at the time of the grant award notification.
- You must provide your marketing materials to us no less than two weeks prior to your project or program’s start date, so we can 1) review the required credit line and logo, and 2) promote your project or program as an LCC grant recipient.
- Grant recipients are required to complete a short assessment form after the completion of their project or event.