GUIDELINES AND Priorities FOR GRANTEES

Guidelines

Funding applications to the Acton Boxborough Cultural Council are initially screened for those that meet the following requirements:

• For live events: Application must include date and venue confirmation in the form of a letter or approved reservation from the venue host. If confirmation cannot be obtained due to venue scheduling limits, a letter of intent from the venue will be accepted. Please reach out to ABCC if you need assistance identifying a venue.

• For programs taking place outside of Acton/Boxborough: if you are not a resident of either town, you must include a letter of support from an Acton/Boxborough resident with your grant application.

• For a virtual event: Application must include date (or date range) and hosting and/or sponsor confirmation.

Projects for consideration must fall between July 1 of the current fiscal year and December 31st

of the following year. All funding requests will be considered; however, applicants are encouraged to consult lists of previously-funded programs on the council’s website or MCC profile for guidance on typical funding amounts granted by the council.

All projects must follow state and local safety guidelines in effect at the time of submission-should those guidelines change projects must adapt. The Massachusetts Cultural Council is dedicated to making its events and services inclusive and accessible to all.

Cultural council funds are not intended to substitute, replace or relieve existing public funds for

programs in the arts. Schools and libraries may only request funding for cultural enrichment activities that are led by outside artists, humanists or interpretive scientists. The cultural professional cannot be a current employee of the school system.

Only arts organizations are eligible to request funds to support fundraising events. Council funds are not intended to be used as the sole source of funding for artists or organizations with ongoing projects (e.g., annual concerts/art exhibits, etc.). Costs for refreshments and travel to and from the event will not be funded.

Priorities

Applications meeting the above requirements will be evaluated using all the following criteria:

• Benefit to Acton/Boxborough residents, with preference given to programs held in the towns of Acton/Boxborough. Programs held outside of the towns should show demonstrated interest from Acton/Boxborough residents.

• Community impact, demonstrated through collaboration between artists and local institutions, interactivity, continued relationships between artists and the community, etc.

• Artistic excellence, demonstrated in resumés, letters, press, videos, other qualifying materials.

• Diversity of age groups, cultural backgrounds and artistic disciplines included.

• Originality, demonstrated through creative expression, unique artistic approach, original composition, etc.

• Effective use of funds, including ratio of dollars spent to number served.

• Applicants should elaborate the details on how they advertise to reach intended groups through multi-channel advertising where applicable.

Last updated 31 August 2026