MELROSE — The Melrose Cultural Council (MCC) has opened a second round of project funding for community-oriented arts, cultural and interpretive sciences events and programming with broad public benefit and impact. The application cycle opened Monday, February 17 and ends Friday, March 28. The MCC’s goal is to provide financial support on a direct granting basis to a range of projects that appeal to the diverse population and cultures within our community. Information about the online application, eligibility guidelines, local priorities and current 2025 grants can be found on our website melroseculture.org/apply.
The MCC’s second funding cycle will total $5,500 with grants in the $250-$1,000 range.
The MCC’s ability to offer this additional funding this year is due in large measure to the transfer of $20,000 from the Melrose Messina Fund for the Arts, a city-funded account administered by mayoral appointees. In September 2024, Mayor Jen Grigoraitis authorized the transfer of these funds to the MCC which now manages this funding and awards it based upon the same eligibility requirements and priorities used in the MCC’s initial funding cycle in fall 2024.
“In this transitional year, we’ve decided to open a second call for project proposals for those local artists and organizations that are unfamiliar with the MCC’s annual fall funding cycle. We’re hoping this second round of funding will bring fresh and innovative ideas for events and programming that will appeal to adults of all ages, as well as our youth, children, families and seniors,” says Council Co-chair Jim Bracciale.
“We’re expecting this next round of proposals to bring the same level of excellence, creativity, originality as our first cohort of applicants. We’re so fortunate as a city to have the caliber of talented artists, musicians, actors, dancers and storytellers among our residents,” says Council Co-chair Sarah Bolha.
The MCC’s initial 2025 funding cycle distributed over $31,000 to support to 24 arts and culture projects, spanning visual arts and performing arts as well as programming that celebrates the cultural diversity of Melrose. Cultural programs to benefit residents of all ages from Melrose and surrounding communities.
Grant Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must present their events and programming during the upcoming calendar year January 1-December 31, 2025 with a local ADA-compliant venue. Applicants are urged to closely read and follow the LCC Program eligibility guidelines and local priorities on the website. Unlike past grant cycles, 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. We encourage first-time applications. 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.
Priorities: Our 2025 priorities are informed by a recent community outreach survey. We are actively encouraging applications that address inclusion, diversity and equity. Priority 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 that reflect and highlight the current and historic diversity of Melrose residents in an authentic way 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 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, the MCC is committed to supporting programs with public benefit that promote excellence, education, cultural diversity, inclusion and equity to foster a rich and vibrant cultural life in Melrose. Grants are given to Melrose organizations and MA individuals, artists and presenters in partnership with local organizations.