From Mass Cultural Council
Grant evaluators need all the information that you can provide. They are looking for clear, concise information that describes the project in detail: who, where, when, and how much it will cost.
Getting started
- Read the LCC Application Guidelines, review all online tutorials of the application walk-through, and your LCC’s local council priorities. This will inform you of the specific criteria they are looking for.
- If you have any questions, please contact your LCC directly or a Mass Cultural Council staff contact.
Some questions they ask in a grants review
Project Description
- What is the project? Clearly state how the funds received from this grant will be spent.
- Where will the project take place? When you plan to do it? Be sure to give projected dates, times, and locations for the event.
- Do you need to submit a letter from your venue confirming your project date and time with your grant materials?
- How many people are involved and how many do you anticipate will be served?
- What makes this project unique?
- Can you demonstrate community support for the project?
- If targeted participants include an undeserved population, then how will these participants be selected? State your selection criteria.
- How will you reach your intended audience? What are your plans for promotion and outreach?
Planning
- Who is involved in the planning process for this project (list specific names, organizations and what they contribute to the project).
- Who is responsible for overseeing the project? (Include resumes with the proposal)
- Does the community it will serve support this project?
- If targeted participants involve an underserved population, then how will these participants be selected? (state your selection criteria)
Funding
- Detailed Budget: Include all out-of-pocket costs and in-kind donations (i.e. free use of space or donated services) in your budget statement. Include all expenses including space rental, project supplies and fees.
- Do you have matching funds for the project? (This is sometimes required by the granting source.)
- Grant committees look kindly upon those that are not solely dependent on their funds.
- If the project is only partially funded, can it be modified and completed successfully?
Evaluation
- How will you know if the project has successfully accomplished its goal? State how you plan to evaluate the project (i.e., audience survey, attendance, evaluations).
Before submitting
- It is always encouraged to get feedback from another person to read a draft of your grant application before submitting.
- Don’t miss the deadline! Each LCC grant cycle always has a hard deadline, so please be mindful of that fact.
ORIGINAL SOURCE: Mass Cultural Council
Andover Cultural Council 