WORCESTER – The Worcester Arts Council (WAC) will accept grant applications for fiscal year 2025 through October 16, 2024. The City of Worcester announced the opening of accepting applications on Wednesday, Sept. 4.
The grants will fund local arts and cultural programs in Worcester to individuals, nonprofits, associations that can establish a nonprofit objective, schools, libraries, and other public agencies.
WAC received funding of $236,500 from the Mass Cultural Coalition, and $10,000 from the Worcester Community Foundation to support grants in fiscal year 2025.
There are two types of grants offered by the program:
- Project Grants support individuals and organizations from Worcester County in developing projects and programs within the city that are innovative, collaborative, provide a public benefit, reach under-served populations, and demonstrate creative excellence;
- Fellowship Grants help Worcester artists of all trades develop and explore their work outside the structure of a specific project.
All projects in arts, sciences, and humanities will be considered based on the feedback received from the Worcester community through its annual Funding Priorities Survey. Projects within WAC priorities will receive preference. Those preferences are:
- Projects focused on Public Art, Musical Performances, Arts Education & Instruction, and programs for all age groups from children to seniors.
- Projects that elevate the voices and experiences of historically marginalized groups to highlight the current and historical diversity of Worcester. Projects should create opportunities for artists and community members through a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Access (DEIA) lens.
- Projects that take place in or benefit areas of Worcester that are historically underserved.
All applications must be submitted online by October 16, 2024, at 11:59 PM. Late applications will not be accepted. WAC will review all grant applications from November through December 2024. Applicants will be notified of funding decisions by late January 2025.
WAC’s Fiscal year 2025 Grant Guidelines and instructions on applying can be found at the City of Worcester website.
