How to Apply for a Grant

The deadline for 2026 Cultural Council grant applications is Thursday, October 16, 2025.

Anyone may apply for funding and the range of programs funded in the past has been very broad — a good idea is what counts. The Council requires only that the applicant have a local sponsor and that the program clearly benefits Winchester directly (see "local priorities" on this page). Funds may be requested for operating support, though the amount available is not large.

Applications are evaluated in terms of several review criteria: artistic or creative merit; project design; qualifications; dedication and track record of individuals and organizations involved; physical accessibility of any facilities being used; and community benefit/involvement. Winchester based applicants are given preference over those from out of town.

Who is eligible? Applicants must reside or be located in Massachusetts, and may be individuals; incorporated private nonprofit organizations or unincorporated associations that can establish a nonprofit objective; for-profit organizations whose application demonstrates public benefit; a group of individuals coming together with a common purpose; public schools, libraries, and other municipal agencies; and religious organizations (with some restrictions).

Completed applications must be received by October 16, 2025. All applications must be completed and submitted online. See the MCC's FAQ for detailed information.

Click this link to access the online application (opens on Sept. 2, 2025).

Decisions will be made by the end of the year, and applicants are notified by January 2026. Grant funds are available immediately following notification of approval.

If you have received approval for your grant and are looking for a payment request or a final report form, please see our information for grant recipients page.

Winchester Grant Priorities

The Winchester Cultural Council uses the following guidelines in evaluating grant applications.

Priority is given to applicants from Winchester residents and organizations, and that primarily serve Winchester and its residents. Outside applicants must include a letter of support from a local (Winchester) sponsor as part of the grant application (or forward such a letter to the Council by email no later than the application deadline).
We particularly encourage applications from local artists, performers, and other cultural creators.
Lower priority is given to projects which have been recently funded by the Winchester Cultural Council.
If the project's budget is greater than $1000, preference is given to applications with outside funding or in-kind donations that are equal to or greater than the amount requested of the WCC, and are documented in the application.
Higher priority is given to projects that benefit a larger number of people relative to the amount of the grant.
Grant projects must take place during the calendar year for which the grant is given (i.e., not prior to the grant decisions).
Following the project, we require that photos, news clippings, testimonials from participants, or other appropriate documentation of the project or event be submitted to the WCC.

Special Grant Programs from the Massachusetts Cultural Council

The following special grant programs are available directly from the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

Grants for Creative Individuals are unrestricted grants of $5,000 to Massachusetts artists, culture bearers, and creative practitioners to equitably advance creative expression throughout our diverse communities. Application deadline is October 28, 2025.
The Cultural Facilities Fund offers grants to support the acquisition, design, repair, rehabilitation, renovation, expansion, or construction of nonprofit cultural facilities. Nonprofit cultural organizations, municipalities, and colleges or universities that own or lease cultural facilities are eligible to apply. Grants range from $7,000 to $200,000. Applications open October 10, 2025 and deadline is December 19, 2025.
Creative Experiences (formerly Project and Festival Grants) provides grants of either $2,500 or $5,000 to organizations (including schools) to fund festivals, projects, residencies, and other cultural activities in the arts, humanities, and sciences. Applications open in March 2026, and deadline is in April 2026 for projects between July 2026 and June 2027.

Microgrants Available

Winchester residents and organizations, please consider applying for our Micro Grant program! Applications are accepted at any time during the year, and decisions are generally made within a month.

The small grants can fund all kinds of activities: art projects and installations, musical performances, dance, stories and poetry, historical preservation, talks by experts, motivational speakers, debates, and much more.