The Grants for Creative Individuals program is a key initiative by the Mass Cultural Council to support and advance creative expression across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. With a strong belief in the transformative power of creativity, the program offers unrestricted $5,000 grants to artists, culture bearers, and creative practitioners. These funds aim to equitably elevate the work of individuals in diverse creative fields, including but not limited to visual arts, performance, crafts, dance, design, literature, music, theater, digital media, and folk traditions.
Eligible applicants must be 18 or older, maintain full-year legal residency in Massachusetts for the 2025 calendar year through June 2026, and must not be enrolled full-time in an undergraduate or graduate arts program. Prior recipients of specified Mass Cultural Council grants over $2,000 in the past three years, and individuals affiliated with the agency or its governing body, are also ineligible.
Applications open on September 16, 2025, and must be submitted online by October 28, 2025, at 11:59pm ET. The process includes an eligibility quiz, narrative section, personal and artistic practice details, and up to five work samples. Reviewers from the Massachusetts cultural sector evaluate applications based on creative merit, geographic representation, and several funding priorities such as underfunded populations, traditional artists, and those with financial need or military service background.
Award notifications will be sent in March 2026. Payment is made directly to individuals via direct deposit or check, using a personal tax ID. All grants are subject to Massachusetts tax regulations and public disclosure policies. Grantees must also submit standard contract forms and documentation verifying Massachusetts residency.
The program emphasizes accessibility and nondiscrimination, offering translation, interpretation, and alternate formats upon request. With approximately 400–450 awards expected, the initiative seeks to provide broad geographic and demographic representation, enhancing cultural equity throughout the state. While there is no matching requirement, applicants should be aware that the grant may affect eligibility for certain public benefits and may be subject to state intercept procedures in cases of outstanding debts.
Review program priorities and confirm eligibility before applying; ensure work samples meet criteria; avoid submitting personal identifiers.
