The Mass Cultural Council has introduced a new grant program titled Creative Projects for Schools, aimed at supporting creative learning experiences in the arts, sciences, and humanities for K-12 students in Massachusetts. This initiative is designed to help students uncover hidden talents, express their ideas, build confidence, explore the natural world, and connect with their history and community. The program is open for the 2024-2025 school year, with a focus on fostering a diverse and equitable creative and cultural sector within the Commonwealth.

The primary purpose of the Creative Projects for Schools grant is to fund school-based projects that enhance creative learning opportunities for students. The program provides one-year grants of $5,000 to eligible projects that take place between September 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025. The Mass Cultural Council encourages applications from historically underfunded organizations, including those serving Native American, Indigenous, BIPOC, d/Deaf and Disability communities, and other vulnerable populations.

Eligible applicants must have a project that primarily serves K-12 students and is operated by or in partnership with a Massachusetts public, charter, or private school. The project must incorporate the arts, humanities, or interpretive sciences and have a minimum budget of $5,000 in cash expenses. Additionally, projects must be accessible to students with disabilities and cannot include inherently religious activities or discriminate based on race, gender, or other protected characteristics.

Organizations that can apply for this grant include non-profit schools or organizations registered in Massachusetts, for-profit schools or organizations in good standing, public schools or government entities, and unincorporated organizations with a Massachusetts address that conduct a significant portion of their programming in the state. All applicants must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria outlined by the Mass Cultural Council.

The application process requires applicants to provide specific information about their project, including the name of the school involved. The evaluation of applications will be based on criteria that assess the project's alignment with the program's goals, its potential impact on students, and its overall feasibility.

The deadline for submitting applications is October 10, 2024. Interested parties are encouraged to visit the Mass Cultural Council website for more information and to access the application materials. For any inquiries, applicants can contact the Mass Cultural Council directly via email or phone. This grant represents an opportunity for organizations to enhance creative learning experiences for students across Massachusetts, contributing to a vibrant educational landscape.