The Goshen Cultural Council meets annual in the fall.
Mailing Address
PO Box 128
Goshen, MA 01032
Telephone: 413/226-1063
Email Address: goshen@mass-culture.org
The questions (and answers) in this section focus mainly on the grant review process.
What is the Local Cultural Council Program?
The
Local Cultural Council Program, administered at the state level by the
Massachusetts Cultural Council, provides state funds to cities and towns to
regrant at a local level. Municipally-appointed volunteers meet and decide how
to distribute the money to projects in the arts, humanities and interpretive
sciences. While the majority of towns and cities have their own local cultural
councils, there are several regional councils made up of members from two or
more communities. Every area of Massachusetts is directly served by an LCC.
How do I get an application form?
Both the LCC application form and PASS application form are available
on-line. Forms are also available locally from the chair of your community's
LCC. In some communities, these forms may be picked up at the local town or city
hall, public library or the senior center.
How do I apply?
You need to send in your
application form to the LCC by the October 15 deadline. While all LCCs use the
same basic application forms, some may require additional information from their
applicants. It's a good idea to speak with the chair of the LCC in the towns
where you plan to apply. The chair can provide information about where
applications must be sent and explain any local requirements (for example,
multiple copies of applications or interviews with applicants). It's up to the
applicant to research each LCC before sending an application.
What is the deadline to apply to a local cultural council?
The statewide, yearly deadline to apply to LCCs is October 15.
Can I apply to more than one LCC?
An applicant may apply to any number of LCCs. If you do apply to more than one LCC for the
same project, it is important that you indicate the amount you requested from the other LCC on the appropriate budget line. Some LCCs have guidelines
regarding requests from applicants from other communities. Applicants should find out about any local guidelines before applying.
What are the different types of applications LCCs review?
There are two kinds of applications that local cultural
councils review from applicants: standard LCC applications, which can cover a broad range of cultural activities, and PASS applications, which are used to
request money for K-12 students' field trips to cultural performances. Suggested institutions for these field trips are designated with a "Type: P" in the MCC Roster. Click here for more information about the PASS Program.
How do I find out if I received a grant?
LCCs will send preliminary notification to all applicants shortly after they vote on
grants. Disapproved applicants are notified first to allow for the reconsideration process. Approved applicants
generally receive letters from LCCs in December or January. Final approval from the state is given in March/April and money is available to reimburse applicants
in April. Please note that funds may be transferred to local accounts before April in some communities; see What does it
mean when an LCC is "streamlined"? for more information on when funds will be available to applicants.
What is reconsideration?
An applicant whose request was not approved for funding by an LCC may request that the council
review the application again if the applicant can demonstrate that the LCC failed to follow published local or state review procedures. Disapproved
applicants have two weeks after the notification letters are mailed out to request reconsideration by the LCC. Please note that even if the reconsideration
request is granted, the application may again be disapproved. Additionally, reconsideration requests may not be made on the basis of dissatisfaction with
the amount awarded or disagreement with decisions made on the basis of artistic quality.
When and how do I get my grant money?
The LCC Program is designed to reimburse an applicant for the award amount once the
project has occurred, or the money has been spent on the project. Grantees indicate that this has happened on a reimbursement form (pdf) that is sent with the award letter. Please check with the chair or treasurer of the LCC from which
you received a grant for information on local reimbursement requirements, as this process may vary from community to community.
What does it mean when an LCC is "streamlined"?
How can my town's LCC qualify?
Streamlining is a system under which LCCs that meet certain criteria may be eligible to receive their funds in
January instead of in April, which means that applicants may request reimbursement earlier.
LCCs qualify for streamlining by having two years of a
clean approval record, showing evidence of sound local operations and sending members to training workshops. More detailed information on the streamlining
criteria is also available in the LCC guidelines.
Where can I get more information about applying to the LCC Program?
Please see our Tips
for Applicants section for additional hints on applying for LCC grants.
For general information about the LCC Program, consult the LCC Program Regulations and Guidelines.
For information about a specific local cultural council, you should contact that LCC. For a list of LCC contact information, click here.
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