HCC Council Guidelines & Priorities

MCC criteria:

1. Art, Humanities or Science

2. Public Benefit

3. Non-Discrimination

4. Local Criteria (HCC guidelines)

Hudson Cultural Council Guidelines: 

1. The HCC does not directly book, make arrangements, or handle any logistics related to Performances/Projects/Programs/Exhibits. Thus, a grant will not be considered for funding unless there is a local sponsor.

2. All applications for Performances/Projects/Programs/Exhibits must include the program date, confirmed venue, with a letter from a local sponsoring organization confirming the date and venue. A sponsoring organization is a person, group, or other entity that books, makes arrangements, and assumes responsibility for the performance, exhibit, or other types of programs. Sponsor letter should be on their letterhead

3. Performances/Projects/Programs/Exhibits must appeal and be accessible to the largest number of Hudson residents of all ages (e.g., accessibility to people with disabilities, cost of admission, etc.).

4. Applications which demonstrate widespread appeal to the Hudson community will be given preference.

5. Cultural Council Funds cannot be the sole source of funding for such programs.

6. Grant Agreement forms and W9 forms must be received by the HCC via post mail no later than December 31 in the year the award was given. The grant will be considered null and void and no monies awarded if the required paperwork is not received by December 31. 

7. If for any reason the original project needs to be altered, the grantee must submit a written request to the HCC for its approval. 

8. When a grant is awarded, but the project has not been completed for any reason, the funds must be returned to the HCC and if not, future grants will be denied. 

9. If a grantee does not submit their final report and the required supporting documentation within the two-week framework after the completion of the project, future grants will be denied. 

10. All supporting documentation (sponsor letter, resume, information regarding a partnership with other agencies, etc.) must be included with the grant application submitted through the Mass Cultural Council Smart Simple portal. Any information that comes to the Council through other means cannot be taken into consideration.

 HCC Funding Priorities:

 1. Maximum impact (largest number of Hudson residents of all ages served, including the ratio of dollars spent to the number served).

2. Preference given to grants serving Hudson residents, and to programming by Hudson-based organizations and institutions. This could include but is not limited to the arts, nature, science and environmental education projects.

3. Community-wide events including, but not limited to art in public spaces, concerts, festivals, art shows, etc. 

4. Programs which take place inside the town of Hudson.

5. Programs supporting diversity in the Hudson community. 

6. Collaborative projects between local cultural groups and community organizations.

7. First-time applicants and new projects.

8. Applicant's track record: Project was completed according to the original grant application and required paperwork was submitted in a timely manner.  

Additional Notes:

• Incomplete grant applications may be denied funding.

•  Venue needs to be accessible to people with disabilities

• Grant received does not fund food at the event

• Applicant must be Massachusetts resident

Reminder: Hudson Cultural Council does not create events or projects for the Town of Hudson but rather funds grants submitted through the Mass Cultural Council Website. 

https://massculturalcouncil.org/communities/local-cultural-council-program/application-process/