The Milford Cultural Council (MCC) officially opened their application process for grants funding community-oriented programming in the arts, humanities, and sciences on Sunday, September 1. Applicants can apply for grants to fund projects and events completed between July 1, 2024 through December 31, 2025.

The MCC will prioritize proposals in the visual arts (including public art and instruction), music, performing arts, the sciences, and youth participation in creative cultural activities. In addition, the council will favor proposals that are well researched and documented, primarily benefit Milford residents, serve a large portion of the community, recognize Milford’s cultural diversity, and do not rely totally on funding from the MCC.

Applicants can apply by registering and entering their proposal online at https://massculturalcouncil.smartsimple.com/s_Login.jsp

"Last year, the Milford Cultural Council received almost 40 grant applications and awarded funds to 25 proposals that supported music, visual art, theatre, poetry, history, and community events in Milford. We encourage individuals and groups, especially Milford residents, to get creative and submit applications that would reflect the diversity and vibrancy of our community,” states MCC chair Martin Montoya. 

Applicants can find grant application tips in English, Spanish, and Portuguese on the MCC page on the town website at: MilfordMa.gov/309/Cultural-Council. In addition, the council is planning question and answer sessions at the Milford Town Library. The dates for these events will be announced soon. In the meantime, questions can be emailed to the council at [email protected]. 

The last day to submit applications is Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024. The members of the MCC will review all applications and inform applicants of the council’s decisions at the end of December. Approved grant recipients can expect to receive their full grant payment in February of 2025 once the funds have been received from the state council. 

The MCC is part of a network of 329 Local Cultural Councils (LCCs) serving all 351 cities and towns in the Commonwealth. The LCC Program is the largest grassroots cultural funding network in the nation, supporting thousands of community-based projects in the arts, sciences, and humanities every year. The state legislature provides an annual appropriation to Mass Cultural Council, a state agency, which then allocates funds to each community. 

As a local partner of the Massachusetts Cultural Council, the Milford Cultural Council seeks to promote excellence, inclusion, education, and diversity in the arts, humanities, and sciences to foster a rich cultural life for all Milford residents, thereby contributing to the vitality of our community and economy. The council welcomes ideas, recommendations, and feedback regarding programs and events funded or sponsored by the council. Interested Milford residents are encouraged to attend meetings, which are held every third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. typically in Room 14 of Town Hall. Learn more online at milfordma.gov/309/Cultural-Council.