The Amherst Cultural Council (ACC) is a local cultural council that distributes state Arts Lottery funds to community‑based arts, humanities, and science projects in Amherst, Massachusetts. The 2026‑2027 grant cycle (FY27) invites artists, community groups, and cultural organizations to submit proposals that meet the council’s local priorities, including equity and inclusion, youth and education, public festivals, and community impact. Applicants are evaluated on quality, originality, community engagement, accessibility, and financial planning. The council emphasizes projects that serve underserved populations and foster diverse cultural expressions. Grants range from $250 to $7,000, with a total of $57,000 awarded in FY26. The application portal is hosted on the Mass Cultural Council’s Smartsimple platform, and the full program guidelines are available as a PDF. The deadline for submissions is October 15, 2026, with the application window opening September 1, 2026. The program is annual, making it a recurring call.
Eligibility: Artists, community groups, and cultural organizations based in Amherst or the surrounding region. Projects must demonstrate community support, a clear budget, and a plan for public engagement. No explicit age or nationality restrictions are listed.
Resources: Direct grant funding up to $7,000, support letters from host agencies, and potential in‑kind assistance. Housing and travel support are not provided.
Application: Submit through the Smartsimple portal by the deadline. Include a project proposal, budget, and supporting letters. The council reviews applications and announces recipients in early 2027.