THE NEEDHAM CULTURAL COUNCIL (NCC) is a town-appointed agency of volunteers whose purpose is to promote and maintain the vitality of cultural resources within the Needham community and to support programs that promote excellence, access, educational opportunities, and diversity in the Arts, Humanities, and Interpretive Sciences. Through distribution of grant money made available by the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC), the NCC funds a diverse cross-section of established community programs and artists of recognized cultural value while encouraging and supporting new programs.
In accordance with state law, local councils may not discriminate against applicants on the basis of race, gender, religion, creed, color, national origin, disability, sexual orientation or age, nor may they fund projects that discriminate on the basis of these attributes.
Cultural Council Grant and Cultural Field Trips application forms are available at the Selectman's Office at the current Needham Town Hall located at the Public Services Administration Building at 500 Dedham Avenue and the Needham Public Library. Forms are also accessable from the links at the top of this page. Application forms can be filled out online and printed.
Grant application funds must be used for performance, exhibition, enjoyment, pursuit, or study of cultural activities that contribute to the cultural vitality of the community as a whole, and not to the sole or exclusive benefit of any private individual.
Applicants can apply for programs that take place from September 1, 2012 to August 31, 2013. If an applicant applies for a program that takes place before the NCC announces their funding decisions, there is no guarantee of funding. Furthermore, if the applicant moves ahead with their program and does not end up receiving a grant from the NCC, the applicant is fully responsible for the expenses incurred.
Proposals from schools and libraries must not request support for activities that should be or used to be part of the municipal budget (i.e., teacher salaries, classroom supplies, school-sponsored clubs and organizations, library books/videos, etc.).
All applications must be typed or word-processed. When filling out the application, answer questions clearly, simply and as completely as the provided space allows. One additional 8 1/2"x 11" page to complete questions is allowed.
Submit the completed original application form plus nine copies (10 total), one set of supporting materials, and a self-addressed stamped business envelope, which will be used for your funding notification. Individuals must provide documentation of artistic qualification. Supporting materials may include items such as resumes of key personnel, organizational brochures, letters of support and commitment, artist samples (video, slides, writings, portfolio, etc.). If you wish to have these materials returned, include an additional SASE stamped with the appropriate postage. It is recommended that applicants keep copies of all materials submitted.
Additionally, all applicants must adhere to the MCC’s statement on accessibility of cultural programs to underserved populations.)
Completed applications may be mailed or delivered to the Needham Cultural Council, Selectman’s Office, Needham Town Hall, 1471 Highland Avenue, Needham MA 02492 or delivered to the Public Services Administration Building located at 500 Dedham Avenue, Needham MA 02492 (Monday - Friday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm).
Payments are made on a reimbursement basis only after the project is completed. Applicants are sent a grant reimbursement application form to use for their payment request. Reimbursement requests for completed projects must be submitted to NCC within a year of the final award notification and must include appropriate documentation. With permission of the council, progress or interim payments may be requested for the portion of the project that has been carried out. Requests for extensions beyond the grant period will be considered on a case-by-case basis and must be submitted in writing before the end of the grant period. The council will review and vote on the request and notify applicants in writing of its decision. Adherence to these requirements is necessary for consideration for future funding.
The NCC reviews and votes on all applications in a public meeting held in November. Applicants may receive a call from a Committee member if clarification or more information is desired before this meeting. Applicants will be notified of the decision within four weeks of the voting meeting. All grant applications and funding recommendations are sent to the MCC by January 17, 2013. MCC reviews the applications and makes the funds available to the Town of Needham early in the new calendar year. It is the responsibility of the grant recipient to complete and submit the reimbursement form and supporting materials to the NCC within one year of being notified of the award.
In all published materials and announcements regarding the activities supported by Cultural Council funds, the sponsoring group or individual must acknowledge this support with a written and/or verbal credit statement or by using the MCC logo. The credit statement is "This program is supported in part by a grant from the Needham Cultural Council a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency." The logo is available online or from the MCC on a camera-ready slick sheet, or on diskette (Mac or PC). This credit is required by the MCC and failure to comply may jeopardize future funding.
For additional information, contact Kathleen Leahy