Easthampton Cultural Council Priorities

As of September 2019, the Easthampton Cultural Council is paying grantees through direct grants. This means grant can be available in full and upfront to grant recipients and is not reimbursement based.

Local Guidelines (updated September 2021)

In addition to the state criteria, applications will be evaluated using the following review criteria:

  1. Proposals for outdoor and/or public art that can be observed or appreciated from a social distance, e.g., murals and sculptures will be given funding priority over Zoom-based events.

  2. Zoom-only events will be considered on a case-by-case basis and an in-person component is strongly encouraged e.g., live theater and dance.

  3. Proposed projects must benefit the residents of Easthampton.

  4. Applicants/groups may submit two applications per fiscal year.

  5. Projects must be well planned, including appropriate support materials detailing a specified date, time, and location; a strong publicity strategy; and a well-planned adjustment for the project if the council is unable to fund the entire amount requested.

  6. Applicants must have the written support (letter or email) of a local venue in order to be considered if their application includes the use of a venue other than one that is under their direct control.

  7. Applicants interested in partnering with schools or organizations for events and/or who intend to host an event at a venue not under their direct control must obtain a letter from the venue's management stating that venue management agrees to allow the applicant to use the space for the event on the date(s) intended.

  8. If individuals or organizations collaborate on a single application, one member of the collaboration must be designated as the lead applicant for fiscal management purposes.

  9. Projects must further Easthampton's programming in the arts, humanities, and interpretive sciences, engaging various populations.

  10. Priority will be given to new programming that has not received prior funding. Applicants who have received funding from the council in the past should not assume they will receive the same funding from prior cycles.

  11. The Easthampton Cultural Council encourages applicants to apply for funds from various sources. Local council funding is not intended to be used as the sole source of funding for projects of a continuing nature.

  12. Project goals are achievable and the budget is realistic.

  13. All events must be held at accessible facilities.

  14. Projects must occur Jan. – Dec. of the calendar year following the October application deadline.

  15. Proposals for operating funds will only be considered after project-based grant proposals have been evaluated. 

For the MCC guidelines, visit: https://www.mass-culture.org/lcc_public_applicant_guidelines.aspx.

In addition to local and Massachusetts Cultural Council guidelines, Easthampton Cultural Council is looking for grant applications that utilize Easthampton spaces and resources. Applications, however, will not be denied solely on this funding priority and will be evaluated based on local guidelines and those outlined by the Massachusetts Cultural Council.