Local Cultural Council Program

The Local Cultural Council (LCC) Program is administered by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency supporting the arts, humanities, and interpretive sciences across Massachusetts. As the nation’s largest grassroots cultural funding network, the LCC Program provides direct grants to individuals and organizations through more than 330 local, regional, and tribal cultural councils. These councils are composed of over 2,500 volunteers serving all 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts. The LCC Program is designed to support projects that enhance community access to cultural experiences, uphold public benefit, and encourage participation in the creative sector at the local level. For the FY26 cycle, the Mass Cultural Council has allocated $5.7 million to be distributed across local councils. These allocations vary by municipality and are determined based on a formula that factors in population size and equalized property values. Each local cultural council has autonomy to define local priorities and eligibility criteria. As such, prospective applicants are encouraged to review the profile of their local council for specific guidance. Councils may elect to prioritize certain types of applicants or projects, provided those preferences are clearly posted prior to the application period. The LCC Program supports a broad range of activities, including field trips, artist residencies, community festivals, lectures, public art projects, and other culturally enriching events. Grants can also support operating costs, fellowships, and site-specific programs. All applications must demonstrate a clear public benefit and must align with one or more of the supported disciplines: arts, humanities, or interpretive sciences. While the scope is broad, certain restrictions apply. Funds may not be used for inherently religious activities, the purchase of alcohol, or general administrative costs of the applicant's organization unless explicitly permitted. Applications are submitted electronically through the Mass Cultural Council’s grants management system. The application portal opened on September 2, 2025, and will close on October 16, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Paper or mailed applications are not accepted. A live information session will be held on September 9, 2025, to support applicants and answer questions about the process. Applicants are strongly encouraged to attend or consult their local council to better understand local funding priorities and requirements. No pre-application steps are required beyond submission through the system. Grant decisions are made by local councils and notifications are handled in two phases. Denial notifications will be issued through the grants system by December 31, 2025. Approved applicants will be notified after a mandatory 15-day reconsideration window ends. Grantees may receive their funds through reimbursement or direct grant, depending on the method selected by their local council. All grant recipients are expected to acknowledge the support of both their local council and the Mass Cultural Council in all public materials related to the funded project. Final reports may be required and must be submitted as directed. The LCC Program represents a significant investment in community-based culture, with more than 7,500 public projects supported annually. The next anticipated application cycle is expected to open in early September 2026, with details to be confirmed closer to that date. Applicants are encouraged to follow up with their local councils or the Mass Cultural Council in summer 2026 to receive updated program details and prepare for future applications.

Review the specific council profile for local criteria. Attend the September 9, 2025 info session to ask questions and learn about the process.