FY27 Cultural Council Grants

The Mass Cultural Council approved its FY27 spending plan and we are pleased to announce that once again we have received a generous allocation of $8,200 towards supporting local cultural programs in and around Dalton.  The grant application process opened on September 1, 2026.  Please click here for additional details and to submit an application.

FY27 Local Priorities

The Dalton Cultural Council, with funding from the Massachusetts Cultural Council, awards grants to organizations and individuals to help support projects, programs, and events in the arts, humanities, and sciences that benefit the Dalton community.

Priority is given to cultural programs that take place in Dalton and are physically accessible to participants. Applicants outside of Dalton should be prepared to provide letters of support from the venue hosting the program and where possible provide measurable outcomes that can be reported back to the Council. The Council strives to provide a range of program support for a variety of target audiences (youth, elderly, families, adults).

FY27 Local Guidelines

• Be specific about the benefit of your program to the Dalton community.
• Programs should be held in accessible locations.
• Be thorough and thoughtful when completing the MCC grant application. Incomplete applications will be rejected.
• New and innovative projects are encouraged. Applicants who have received funding from the Council in the past should not assume they will receive funding.
• Funded projects should take place within the calendar year of the award.
• Successful applicants must acknowledge the financial support of the Dalton Cultural Council and the Massachusetts Cultural Council in published announcements and materials about their events.

The Dalton Cultural Council’s mission is to promote access, excellence, education and diversity in the arts, humanities and interpretive sciences in order to improve the quality of life for all residents. The Massachusetts Cultural Council has overseen the Local Cultural Council Program since 1990. MCC receives funding from an annual state appropriation. Each year, the MCC distributes funds to LCCs; in turn, LCCs make grants to schools, organizations and individuals in their communities. These funds are paid to successful applicants on a reimbursement basis.

Distributions to each LCC are based on a local aid formula devised by the state. The formula takes into account population and property values, and is weighted to give larger distributions to poorer communities.

Meetings are held in late October and other times as needed. Notices of all meetings are posted in Town Hall and on the https://www.mytowngovernment.org/01226

Members of the DCC are appointed for 3-year terms.