City of Boston Cultural Council Organizational Grants

The Boston Cultural Council (BCC) offers general operating grants to small and mid-sized nonprofit organizations, fiscally sponsored organizations, unincorporated entities, and artist collectives. This program aims to support innovative arts, cultural, and creative programming in Boston. The grants are designed to advance a vibrant, creative, and just Boston, ultimately enhancing the quality of life in the city. The BCC's mission aligns with fostering and sustaining arts and cultural creative expression, and its strategic priority is to support organizations with budgets under $2 million. Target beneficiaries include 501(c)(3) organizations with budgets under $2 million, Boston-based organizations, or those whose primary programming takes place in Boston with strong community partnerships. Unincorporated groups, such as artist collectives and volunteer groups, are also eligible with a fiscal sponsor. Reviewers specifically look for public benefit to the people of Boston and confirmation that 50% or more of the organization's programming occurs within the city. This focus on local impact demonstrates the BCC's commitment to community engagement and local cultural development. The grant funding is structured into three tiers based on an organization's budget: Tier 1 provides $5,000 for budgets between $1,000,000 to $2,000,000; Tier 2 offers $7,500 for budgets between $500,000 to $1,000,000; and Tier 3 allocates $10,000 for budgets less than $500,000. These tiers reflect a strategic approach to support organizations of varying sizes, ensuring that smaller entities also have access to significant funding. The expected outcomes include the continued operation and growth of these cultural organizations, leading to a richer artistic and cultural landscape in Boston. The BCC has specific restrictions on grant funding to ensure appropriate use. Funds may not be used for salaries or stipends for employees of the Boston school system, library, parks department, or municipality, nor for capital expenditures for these agencies. Additionally, programming that discriminates or discourages participation on the basis of protected characteristics, or the purchase of food or beverages, is prohibited. These restrictions underscore the BCC's commitment to equity, accessibility, and responsible financial stewardship, reinforcing its theory of change that targeted funding for arts and culture will directly improve community well-being without supporting discriminatory practices or non-programmatic expenses.