The Cultural Facilities Fund, administered by the Mass Cultural Council and MassDevelopment, provides grants to nonprofit cultural organizations, municipalities, and institutions of higher education for projects involving cultural facilities. These grants support activities such as the acquisition, design, renovation, expansion, or construction of cultural facilities. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit cultural organizations, municipalities with facilities primarily used for cultural purposes, and higher education institutions that provide public cultural access beyond their educational missions. Fiscal sponsors are not eligible to apply.

The fund offers three primary grant categories: Capital Grants (up to $200,000) for construction and renovation projects; Feasibility & Technical Assistance Grants (up to $35,000) for planning activities such as architectural assessments and energy efficiency studies; and Systems Replacement Plan Grants (ranging from $8,000 to $14,000) for comprehensive facility systems assessments. Applicants may apply for one grant per round, with exceptions for specific combinations such as Systems Replacement Plan Grants alongside other categories. All grants require a 1:1 cash match, which must be secured before grant funds are disbursed.

To qualify, projects must demonstrate community need, financial need, local support, and the ability to enhance local tourism. Specific eligibility requirements include facility ownership or long-term leasing arrangements for capital projects and adherence to accessibility and diversity policies. The application process includes registering through the grants management system, attending optional information sessions, and completing a pre-application eligibility quiz. Applications must be submitted by December 19, 2024, at 11:59 PM ET.

Grants are awarded based on criteria such as project feasibility, alignment with community and cultural goals, and the organization's capacity to implement the project successfully. The review process also considers geographic and demographic equity. Recipients are required to meet reporting obligations, including participating in annual economic impact surveys and submitting progress reports.

Funded organizations must credit the Mass Cultural Council and MassDevelopment in all promotional materials and comply with legal and contractor policies. Grant recipients are encouraged to engage minority- and women-owned firms in their projects and adhere to guidelines for workforce diversity. Organizations with prior grants must meet specific completion and reporting requirements before reapplying, and previously funded projects must propose new scopes of work to remain competitive.

Technical support and accessibility accommodations are available for applicants. For additional information, applicants are advised to consult the program guidelines, register for information sessions, and contact staff at least two weeks before deadlines for assistance.