The Cambridge Arts Organizational Investment Grant Program, administered by the Cambridge Arts Council, offers operating support grants to organizations and programs that provide public cultural programming benefiting residents of Cambridge, Massachusetts. The program aims to enhance the cultural landscape of the city by supporting nonprofit organizations that contribute to the arts, humanities, and sciences. Grants range from $1,000 to $10,000, with a typical award amount of $9,000 designated for eligible Cambridge nonprofit organizations.

The primary purpose of the grant is to provide financial assistance to cultural nonprofit organizations and cultural affiliates that have demonstrated a commitment to public cultural programming over the past two years. The objectives include promoting access to the arts, fostering excellence and diversity in cultural offerings, and enhancing educational opportunities in the arts and humanities for the Cambridge community.

Funding from the grant can be utilized for various operational needs of the organizations, including but not limited to program development, staffing, and other expenses that support the delivery of cultural programming. The grants are intended to help organizations maintain year-round operations and continue providing valuable cultural experiences to the public.

Eligible applicants include cultural nonprofit organizations that are recognized as 501(c)(3) entities in Massachusetts and have a primary mission focused on promoting access, excellence, diversity, or education in the arts, humanities, or sciences. Cultural affiliates, which are semi-independent programs operating under a parent organization, may also apply, provided they meet specific additional requirements. All applicants must have provided public cultural programming for at least two consecutive years and must have minimum cash expenses of $50,000 for each of those years.

Submission requirements include a completed application form, financial statements, and documentation demonstrating the organization’s public cultural programming history. Applicants must also provide evidence of their nonprofit status and compliance with the eligibility criteria outlined by the Cambridge Arts Council. The application process may include specific questions related to the organization’s mission, programming, and community impact.

Evaluation criteria for the grant will focus on the organization’s ability to meet the stated objectives, the quality and impact of its cultural programming, and its financial stability. The review process will assess how well the proposed activities align with the goals of the grant program and the potential benefits to the Cambridge community.

The deadline for submitting applications for the Cambridge Arts Organizational Investment Grant Program is October 16, 2024. Organizations interested in applying are encouraged to review the detailed guidelines and prepare their submissions in advance of the deadline. For further information, applicants can contact Deena Anderson at the Cambridge Arts Council via email or phone.