MELROSE — The Melrose Cultural Council (MCC) is seeking proposals for community-oriented arts, cultural and interpretive sciences events and programming with broad public benefit and impact. The Local Cultural Council (LCC) annual grant application cycle opens Tuesday, September 2 and closes Thursday, October 16.
The MCC’s goal is to provide financial support on a direct-granting basis to a variety of projects that appeal to the diverse population and cultures within our community reaching adults of all ages, youth, children, families and seniors. Information about the online application, eligibility guidelines, local priorities and past grants can be found on our website at melroseculture.org/apply.
Grant eligibility requirements: Applicants must present their events and programming during the upcoming calendar year January 1 to December 31, 2026 at a local ADA-compliant venue. Applicants are urged to closely read and follow the LCC Program eligibility guidelines and local priorities available on the Massachusetts Cultural Council website. As in our most recent grant cycle, the MCC may now fully fund approved projects, eliminating the need for applicants to seek additional sources of funding. We do not accept requests for capital expenditures, individual scholarships or multi-year repeating programs. First-time applicants are encouraged to submit a proposal. Prospective applicants are welcome to contact the MCC to ask questions or to receive feedback on proposals before submitting. Grants are competitive and not all requests are awarded or fully funded. In 2025, 32 grants were awarded, ranging from $300 to $3,000. In total, nearly $38,000 was disbursed to 2025 grant recipients.
Priorities: Our 2026 priorities are informed by a recent community outreach survey. We are actively encouraging applications that address inclusion, diversity and equity. Preference will be given to projects that build community through social connections and dialogue. We hope to elevate the voices and experiences of historically underrepresented groups by authentically reflecting and highlighting the current and historic diversity of Melrose residents through arts and culture. Projects that speak to the experience of Massachusetts artists and audiences who identify as BIPOC, Latinx, LGBTQIA, immigrant or live with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Proposals for innovative ideas, collaborations and new initiatives that produce free public events and activities in outdoor spaces are most favorably welcomed.
About the Council: The MCC is the local affiliate of the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Part of a statewide network in cities and towns funded by the legislature, MCC is committed to supporting programs that promote excellence, education, cultural diversity, inclusion and equity to foster a rich and vibrant cultural life in Melrose. Additional funding for the 2026 funding cycle is provided by the City of Melrose through a free cash appropriation approved by the City Council. Grants are given to Melrose organizations, individuals and Massachusetts artists/presenters in partnership with local organizations. We encourage and support programs across all arts disciplines visual arts, music, theater, dance, writing, projects in the humanities, history, local culture and interpretive sciences.