Local Cultural Council Program
The Mass Cultural Council's Local Cultural Council Program funds community-based arts, science, and humanities projects across Massachusetts through a statewide network of local cultural councils.
Funder: Mass Cultural Council
Due Dates (Anticipated): October 2026 (Full application submission deadline, projected)
Funding Amounts: $7.5 million total annually regranted statewide; typical awards $250–$2,000, most commonly $500–$750, for 18-month projects.
Summary: Supports community-based arts, humanities, and science projects in Massachusetts through a network of local cultural councils.
Key Information: Applicants must reside or be located in Massachusetts; each council sets its own priorities and guidelines.
Description
The Local Cultural Council (LCC) Program is the largest grassroots cultural funding network in the United States, enriching the cultural life of every city and town in Massachusetts. Administered by the Mass Cultural Council and managed by municipally appointed volunteers, the program distributes funding to support a wide variety of cultural activities, including field trips, public performances, festivals, artist residencies, and educational programs in the arts, humanities, and sciences. Each year, 329 local and regional councils collectively award approximately $7.5 million to over 7,300 programs, fostering broad community engagement and access to the arts across the Commonwealth.
