03. Council Priorities and Grant Application Process

Belmont Cultural Council, 8-21-2023

Council Priorities

The Belmont Cultural Council prioritizes funding applicants from Belmont and cultural events and activities that benefit the Belmont public. Cultural events and projects are defined broadly and include arts, lectures, performances, interpretive science, and humanities. Our July 2023 Community Input Survey indicated that town residents have the greatest preference for community-wide gatherings (festivals, farmers’ market activities) and the performing arts (concerts and plays). The next tier in preference is nature/science/environmental education, visual arts exhibits and education, programs celebrating cultural diversity. These were followed in decreasing importance by cultural education, programs at Belmont schools, programs occurring at the Council on Aging, and projects celebrating local history. The population segments of highest importance were families, seniors and teens, followed by communities of color, low-income populations, and people with disabilities.

Priority is given to events that occur in Belmont, and that are in collaboration with Belmont based non-profit organizations. Applicants based outside of Belmont are required to secure the sponsorship of a Belmont public or non-profit organization and include a sponsorship letter endorsing the project which must be attached to the online application as a PDF file. The Council places a priority on programs that occur after January of the grant cycle, i.e., January 2024 through December 2024, for the upcoming cycle. All grant recipients are expected to present a publicity plan as part of their application. Online applications for grants are required. Funds for food or drink will not be awarded grants.

Council Guidelines

The application form should be completed online here. You will be able to attach supporting materials, such as resume(s) of key personnel, organizational brochures, letters of support/commitment, artist samples (video, slides, writings, portfolio, etc.). Please answer questions as clearly, simply, and completely as space allows. Describe the project and any collaborators and address the review criteria. The budget is divided into Projected Expenses and Projected Income. Please include all sources and uses of funds, including the amount in your application, and your budget should not show a deficit. You can include in-kind donations -- that is, services, materials or facilities which are provided at no cash cost to you. You may not request grant money for consumables, such as food or drink.