The Gaming Mitigation Fund, administered by the Mass Cultural Council, provides two-year grants to nonprofit and municipal performing arts centers in Massachusetts to offset fees associated with hosting touring artists and shows. Established under the Massachusetts Casino Gaming Law, the program aims to sustain these centers’ competitiveness in a marketplace influenced by the presence of casinos, ensuring that they can continue to present diverse and high-quality performances.

Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations, municipally owned venues, or cultural affiliates that are performing arts centers committing at least 50% of their operating expenses to performing arts activities. Additionally, they must present touring entities with independent performance work, meeting specific criteria for either presented or headlining acts. Organizations funded by other Mass Cultural Council programs such as the Cultural Investment Portfolio or Operating Grants for Organizations in FY25 are not eligible to apply.

The grants are allocated based on a formula that considers the percentage of performances featuring eligible touring entities and the total fees paid to those entities. Funding must be used for direct costs associated with touring performances, including artist fees, booking costs, housing, and travel expenses. Ineligible expenses include in-kind contributions, fees associated with external productions, and costs unrelated to eligible performances.

Applications for the program open on November 12, 2024, and close on January 9, 2025, at 11:59 PM ET. Applicants must submit a spreadsheet of FY23 performances, detailed financial information, and documentation proving the eligibility of touring entities. Grantees will receive funding for two years, with Year-1 covering July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025, and Year-2 extending from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. Grant amounts may vary depending on available funds, the applicant pool, and targeted funding priorities.

Compliance with reporting requirements is crucial for continued funding. Year-1 grantees must submit a final report by November 2025, including updated financial and performance data. Failure to meet these requirements will disqualify the organization from Year-2 funding. All grant recipients are required to acknowledge the Mass Cultural Council in promotional materials and ensure compliance with accessibility and non-discrimination policies.

Prospective applicants can attend an information session on November 19, 2024, to learn more about the program. Questions about eligibility or the application process can be addressed during weekly office hours or via email. The grant program underscores the Mass Cultural Council’s commitment to supporting the performing arts while addressing the unique challenges posed by casino competition.