Applying for a Newton Cultural Council Grant may feel overwhelming!
Here are some answers to questions you might find yourself asking… and if you have others, send us an email.
We’re here to help!
I’m lost – where do I start the application process?
All applications are done online: click HERE to start!
For this year’s applications, does it have to be a project that’s happening in the following year?
No! We accept grant applications for projects that have taken place but in general, they are for the following year.
What’s the timeline for the applications?
Note: COVID dropped our usual timeline by a couple of months.
September 1st – October 15th: Applications are open
October/November: NCC receives the applications, divides them between the members, and each member reviews an approximately equal number
November: Each applicant will be contacted by their designated NCC member for a brief interview to review their application, get a thorough understanding, and ensure that there is no missing information or anything that would disqualify their application
December: the NCC convenes to vote on the projects to fund
January: Final list of funded grants is released
What kinds of projects do you fund?
The Council considers all projects in the arts, sciences and humanities as long as there is a public benefit. We ask “What’s in it for Newton?” That means that while we’d love to help fund the ballet workshops you attended in Moscow, or your gamelan classes in Bali, unless you’re coming back and putting on a series of performances, we can’t help you.
I noticed it says I need to have a “confirmed location” for my project. I don’t even know where to start with that…
A great question! And a bit of a tough one, because locations always depend on the type of activity you are trying to promote.
Your best bet is to find a location in Newton. Public spaces, outdoor spaces, as well as privately-owned or commercial spaces, are all fair game, as long as you are promoting a public event. You can also charge for your event and still receive a grant. It doesn’t have to be free.
Click here (LIST TO COME) for a list of suggested locations in Newton. While it isn’t exhaustive, it might be a good place to start if you’re feeling lost!
I have an AMAZING project in mind, but it’s going to cost $10,000 – can I request that much money?
While there’s nothing stopping you from asking for that much, unfortunately, in order to ensure that the NCC can “spread the wealth”, in the past we have capped all grants at $1,500. While we have had over $40,000 to distribute, it’s unlikely that we will be able to fully fund projects with such a large budget. It is our hope that our grant will encourage others to help fund your project.
Am I allowed to submit more than one grant application?
Yes, you are! If you have more than one project you’d like to share with the community, you can absolutely submit more than one grant application. However, we do try to “spread the wealth” so don’t be surprised if only the strongest of your grant applications is funded.
This is the evaluation form we are using.
If your question wasn’t covered here, send us a message!