Do you have an idea for a program that could engage Wellesley residents in art or culture? Consider applying for a Wellesley Cultural Council grant to help fund your program and bring your idea to life.

What is the Wellesley Cultural Council?

The Wellesley Cultural Council is the local presence of the Massachusetts Cultural Council and is a grassroots funding network supporting community-based projects in the arts, humanities, and interpretive sciences. Wellesley Cultural Council members are appointed by the Select Board. We aim to foster creative expression and bring art to a wider audience, including the next generation.

Like all 329 local Cultural Councils under the umbrella of the Massachusetts Cultural Council, the Wellesley Cultural Council exists to enrich the artistic and cultural life of all those who make this town their home, leading our residents to feel a deeper and richer sense of community. Council members foster a sense of community in Wellesley by attracting and trying to help fund the most high-quality arts and education programs that will be of interest and benefit to as many segments of our population as possible.

In 2024, for example, the Wellesley Cultural Council funded a Japanese folktales and origami program for families, performances by the Wellesley Symphony Orchestra and Town Band, and an arts and wellness program organized by the Wellesley Society of Artists.

Apply for a Grant

The grant application should be available through the Mass Cultural Council starting Sept. 1. The deadline to apply is Oct. 16. The Wellesley Cultural Council expects to have between $7,000 and $8,000 to award in grants this year so keep that in mind when preparing your budget. Average grants tend to be modest amounts and are often reimbursement-based, meaning applicants pay for programs and, if approved for a grant, applicants are reimbursed for those expenses. Consider attending this Sept. 5 information session online to learn more and to be sure your grant application has the highest chance of success.

Tips for writing a successful grant application:

Set a date and secure space for your program: The Cultural Council wants to ensure that the programs that receive grants actually happen. That means applicants who have chosen a date for their program and secured a venue are much more likely to get funding. Ask the coordinator at your venue to write a letter of support for your event that you can include in your application.

Serve Wellesley residents: Some applicants propose programs that may serve the population of multiple towns or that will take place in other towns or in Boston. That’s fine, but make sure there is a strong case for the Wellesley Cultural Council, in particular, to fund your program.
Create something different: Many of the applications the Cultural Council receives are from groups and programs that have been taking place in Wellesley for years. While these are important, the Cultural Council is especially excited to consider new ideas, including programs that serve different segments of our town’s population.

Good luck! We can’t wait to review your grant application and are grateful to everyone who is working to enrich the arts and culture in town.