The South Hadley Cultural Council is one of 329 local and regional councils (LCCs) representing the 351 cities and towns in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) distributes funds annually to the LCCs, who then re-grant funds to arts, humanities, and interpretive science projects that provide a benefit to their own communities. The amount of funding available each year depends on the population and tax-base of the municipality and the current state financial status. Individuals, schools, and cultural organizations are eligible to apply to local councils for project support. Funding for cultural field trips is available to help support the cost of admission for PreK-12 students to attend performances, educational tours and exhibits.

LCC grants are reimbursement-based (applicants spend their own money, then submit paperwork for reimbursement once the project is completed). Grant applications must be postmarked by October 15 for projects that will occur between January and December of the following year. Applicants should be prepared to receive less than the full request and to show other sources of funding in the project budget. Criteria for consideration include community benefit, financial need, project quality, clarity of the proposal, and evidence of ability to carry out the project. Grants may not cover items that should be paid for by a municipal budget. 

Details about South Hadley's local funding priorities and guidelines are available at:
mass-culture.org/south-hadley