The Creative Projects for Schools grant, offered by the Mass Cultural Council, is designed to support innovative learning experiences in the arts, sciences, and humanities for K-12 students in Massachusetts. This initiative aims to help students uncover hidden talents, express their ideas, build confidence, explore the natural world, and connect with their history and community. The program provides funding for school-based projects that take place between September 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025, with each grant totaling $5,000 for a duration of one year.

The primary purpose of this grant is to foster creative learning opportunities that engage students in meaningful ways. The Mass Cultural Council emphasizes the importance of diversity and equity within the creative and cultural sector, encouraging applications from historically underfunded organizations. This includes Native American, Indigenous, or Urban Indian organizations, BIPOC organizations, d/Deaf and Disability organizations, and those serving vulnerable populations.

Eligible projects must primarily serve students and be operated by or in partnership with a Massachusetts public, charter, or private school serving grades K-12. Projects should incorporate the arts, humanities, or interpretive sciences and must have a minimum project budget of $5,000 in cash expenses. Additionally, projects must be accessible to students with disabilities and cannot include activities that are inherently religious or discriminate based on race, gender, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, gender identity, or sexual orientation.

Organizations eligible to apply include non-profit schools or organizations registered in Massachusetts, for-profit schools or organizations in good standing, public schools, government entities, and unincorporated organizations with a Massachusetts address that conduct a significant portion of their programming in the state. It is important for applicants to ensure they meet the eligibility criteria before applying.

The application process requires detailed information about the project, including the name of the school involved. Applicants will need to answer specific questions related to their project and its alignment with the grant's objectives. Evaluation criteria will focus on the project's potential impact on students, its creativity, and its alignment with the goals of the Mass Cultural Council.

The deadline for submitting applications is October 10, 2024. Interested applicants should prepare their materials in advance to ensure they meet this deadline. For further inquiries, applicants can contact the Mass Cultural Council via email or phone for assistance. This grant represents a valuable opportunity for organizations looking to enhance creative learning experiences for students in Massachusetts.