Gaming Mitigation Fund
Forecasted
Gaming Mitigation Fund supports Massachusetts performing arts centers by funding touring shows and artist fees to help preserve their ability to compete with resort-style casinos.
Funder: Mass Cultural Council
Due Dates (Anticipated): January 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Two-year grants; formula-based awards recalculated annually
Summary: Supports Massachusetts performing arts centers’ touring shows and artist fees to mitigate competition from resort-style casinos.
Key Information: Applicants must dedicate at least 50% of operating expenses to performing arts and present eligible touring entities.
Description
Mass Cultural Council administers the Gaming Mitigation Fund to support Massachusetts nonprofit and municipal performing arts centers, including eligible cultural affiliates. Established by the Commonwealth’s Casino Gaming Law, the program helps preserve these organizations’ ability to compete in a marketplace affected by resort-style casinos. Grants support touring shows and touring artist fees rather than broader arts programming.
Funding targets centers most directly affected by casino competition. Award calculations consider both the share of performances featuring eligible touring entities and the fees paid to those entities, with additional equity weighting. The program will reopen for applications in FY27; the published guidelines describe the FY25 cycle and remain reference guidance.
