Planning Your Watertown Cultural Council Grant Project
Before you submit your application through the Mass. Cultural Council website, do some planning with the following checklist.
Make a list of the specific project activities that require funding.
Read the WCC and MCC guidelines to be sure your proposed activities are eligible. Are your proposed activities ones that the WCC will support? In your application, explain how the project addresses WCC priorities.
Map out the project activities from the earliest planning to completion. Do you have enough time to complete all the steps?
Does the project involve a partnership with any other organization or does it depend on having a host organization? Include in your application the outreach have you done and arrangements you have made so far.
Where will the project take place? If possible, get commitments from venue manager(s) and include that in your application. If there is a cost for the venue, include that in your budget.
Who will lead the project activities or performance? Make a list of the people and their credentials to show they can complete the activities successfully.
How will you promote your project in the community from the beginning to its final public presentation in order to attract the widest group of participants and/or audiences? Think about using a of media: local newspapers, social media, local cable stations, city newsletters and web calendars, flyers, school announcements, etc. If there is a cost for any promotion activities, (printing flyers, for example) include that in your budget.
Considering all the project activities, make a complete list of costs. What funds will you need from WCC? Considering that most WCC grants are modest–between $250 and $750–what other sources of revenue do you have? These may include other contributions, goods and services donated free (including your own), ticket revenues, etc. Make sure your proposed funding provides you with everything you need. Do the revenues cover the costs?
What additional materials can you provide to support your application? These may include bios, press coverage of projects you’ve done, images of your work, endorsements from participants or audience members, letters of agreement with partners or venues, etc.
What is your backup plan if COVID prevents in-person activities?
Read through the Sample Grant Application for more details and tips.
Have questions or need help? Contact watertowncultural@gmail.com to talk with a WCC member.