How to Apply

The grant season opens on September 1st and the application submission deadline is October 15th. Please visit the Massachusetts Cultural Council website to apply.

Video with WCA-TV: https://www.wcatv.org/post/watertown-cultural-council-offers-grants-for-local-arts-and-cultural-projects

Fiscal Year 2027 Local Priorities

This year the Watertown Cultural Council priorities are:

o Promote and honor the diverse cultural and social histories of Watertown through community events, projects, and programs

o Expand access to arts, culture, and scientific projects for the entire Watertown community

o Support activities that interpret the natural environment, sciences, and environmental issues

o Empower programs that broaden educational and artistic opportunities for individuals of all ages

o Provide the means for community-wide gatherings through, but not limited to, festivals, concerts, plays, and exhibitions through collaboration and cooperation with other Watertown organizations

Fiscal Year 2027 Local Guidelines

Although grantees do not need to reside in Watertown, all projects and programs should take place within Watertown or benefit Watertown residents. All grantees should adhere to the Mass Cultural Council publicity guidelines to acknowledge WCC funding. Successful applications offer complete information and typically describe clearly defined projects with estimated budgets, venues, and projected timelines.

Applications must demonstrate:

• Artistic and creative merit
• Projects in the arts, humanities, and the interpretive sciences
• Benefit to the Watertown community
• Non-discrimination

Project Timeline

Applicants may apply for grants for programs that take place during an 18-month window of eligibility: between July 1, preceding the application deadline in October, through December 31 of the following year. Applicants may apply for projects that happen prior to Local Cultural Councils’ grant announcements, with the knowledge that funding is not guaranteed.

Applicants

Applicants must reside or be located in Massachusetts, more details about eligibility are available on the MCC website. WCC funding is not meant to provide ongoing support. Previous grant recipients are asked to identify prior funding from the WCC. Applicants may be:

• Individuals
• Nonprofits
• Unincorporated associations with a nonprofit objective
• Public schools, libraries, or other municipal agencies
• Religious organizations

How Grant Recipients Are Paid

Direct Grants. Watertown Cultural Council grants support a broad range of projects and programs, such as operating support, ticket subsidies, field trips, artist residencies, public art, fellowships, community events/programs, site specific projects, and other activities.

Planning Your Grant

Before you submit your application through the MCC website, do some planning with the following checklist:

• Make a list of the specific project activities that require funding.
• Read the WCC and MCC guidelines to ensure your proposed project activities are eligible.
• Create a timeline of project activities from the earliest planning through completion, do you have enough time to complete all the steps?
• Does the project involve partnerships with others or depend upon having a host organization? Include current outreach and confirmed partnerships in your application.
• Where will the project take place? Include confirmed venues in your application and applicable costs.
• Who is leading the project activities? List the people and their credentials to demonstrate their ability to complete the activities successfully.
• How will you promote the project and engage the community? What media outlets will you use and what are the associated costs?
• List all project costs. What funding do you need from the WCC and what other sources of revenue are available to cover all costs? This may include donated (in-kind) goods or services.
• What additional materials can you provide to support your application? Consider past press coverage, images of past work, endorsements, etc.
• Read through the Sample Grant Application for more details and tips.

Have questions or need help? Contact cultural@watertown-ma.gov to talk with a WCC member.

$16,800 ($16,400 in FY25)

Fiscal Year 2027 Allocation from the City of Watertown

$17,000