Worcester Arts Council (WAC) Grant

Grants of up to $5,000 and fellowships to Massachusetts nonprofit organizations, individuals, schools, libraries, and agencies in eligible locations for humanities, arts, and sciences. Funding is intended to promote access, excellence, diversity, and education in the disciplines with the goal of improving the quality of life for residents and contributing to the economic vitality of the city. All projects must take place in the City of Worcester.

Grants are issued to support arts, humanities, interpretive sciences, visual artists, performing artists, science educators, historians, and other humanists; as well as community, business and civic groups, social service organizations, schools, neighborhood centers, and youth, senior and family associations.

The official WAC Funding Priorities for FY21 are:

1. Project Categories - Projects that focus on Public Art, Arts Education & Instruction, Children's Programs, and Musical Performances.
   
2. Cultural Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion - 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 who identify as Black, Indigenous, POC, LGBTQX, refugee, immigrant, or person living with a disability.
3. Locations - Projects that take place in or benefit areas of Worcester that are historically underserved.

Two types of grants are offered:

• Fellowship Grants: Assist individuals in developing their work outside the structure of a specific project or presentation. Artists in any discipline may apply. All Fellowship applicants must maintain a residential, commercial or studio address in the City of Worcester. Fellowship grants are paid up-front, unlike Project Grants which are reimbursement-based.
• Project Grants: Assist in the development of projects and programs in the arts, humanities and interpretive sciences. Applicants must demonstrate a tangible benefit to Worcester citizens. All grant applicants must maintain a residential, commercial or studio address in Worcester County. All WAC-funded projects must occur within the City of Worcester. Project grants are reimbursement-based.

Fellowship Grant Requirements: WAC fellows must have a presentation or exhibition during the grant year in which they receive an award. In-person presentations/exhibitions must take place in the City of Worcester to meet this requirement. Due to restrictions related to COVID-19, virtual presentations or exhibitions are also acceptable. WAC will help fellows develop a manageable project for the upcoming year. Fellows are not obligated to use their fellowship award to fund this requirement.

Project grant requirements may be found at http://www.worcesterma.gov/uploads/f0/0c/f00c1f57d2b2d87873961aa34d0ebab8/2021-grant-guidelines.pdf#page=4.