The Wellesley Cultural Council (WCC) is now accepting applications for its Fiscal Year 2026 grant cycle, offering funding for community-based projects that inspire creativity, celebrate local culture, and expand access to the arts, humanities and
interpretive sciences. Apply now.

Musical Baseball, Howard Newman, Wellesley — Howard Newman presents his “Musical Baseball” show at the Council on Aging, 2025. Photo via Wellesley Media.

This year, the WCC will distribute $8,200 from the Massachusetts Cultural Council, supplemented by funds from the Town of Wellesley, to support programs that enrich the cultural life of the community. Grants can be used for a wide range of activities including performances, festivals, artist residencies, school-based arts initiatives, workshops, and historical programs.

The Council prioritizes proposals that are free or low-cost, broadly accessible, and serve diverse audiences, including youth and historically underrepresented groups.

“Wellesley’s commitment to supplementing state funds reflects how deeply our Town values the arts,” said Marc Zawel, WCC Chair. “We’re excited to support projects that bring people together and strengthen the cultural fabric of our community.”

Recent WCC-supported projects have included the Wellesley Symphony Orchestra season, Wellesley’s Wonderful Weekend, youth storytelling workshops, public art installations, and cultural events highlighting community history and identity.

FY26 grant applications must be submitted online by Thursday, October 16, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST. Application guidelines and forms are available on the Mass Cultural Council website. For questions, applicants may contact the WCC at culturalcouncil@wellesleyma.gov.

The Wellesley Cultural Council is part of a statewide network of 329 Local Cultural Councils that collectively fund thousands of public programs annually – the largest grassroots cultural funding system in the nation.