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Creative Commonwealth Initiative - Cultural Expression Grant

New Bedford Economic Development

Foundation Grants for ArtsGrants for NonprofitsGrants for Immigration Nonprofits

Funding Amount

Up to $20,000 per project; minimum $100,000 total available

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Creative Commonwealth Initiative - Cultural Expression Grant

Funder: Community Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts

Geographic Scope: Fall River and New Bedford, Massachusetts

Focus Areas:

  • Cultural and artistic expression of diverse and immigrant communities

  • Projects organized and driven by the communities being served

  • Concerts, exhibits, festivals, performances, speakers/presentations, and visual arts

  • Projects reflecting needs and interests of ethnically diverse populations

    • Eligibility:

  • Registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations

  • Municipalities

  • Educational institutions

  • Projects must be completed or significantly underway by December

    • Award Details:

  • Minimum of $100,000 available for this grant round

  • Maximum grant request: $20,000 per project

    • Special Considerations:

  • The Creative Commonwealth welcomes artistic risk-taking and diversity of creative experiences and audiences

  • Focus on elevating and celebrating diverse cultures in Fall River and New Bedford

    • Contact Information:

  • Program Manager: Rayana Grace, Arts & Culture Program Manager

  • Phone: 508-996-8253, ext. 203

  • Email: rgrace@cfsema.org

    • Additional Resources:

  • Detailed timeline and eligibility information: https://www.cfsema.org/about-us/creative-commonwealth#G5

    • How to Apply

    Application Process

    1. Obtain Letter of Interest: Access the Letter of Interest form at https://goo.gl/1UTHHP

    2. Submit Letter of Interest: Complete and submit by the deadline (April 5 at midnight)

    3. Contact for Questions: Direct any questions to Rayana Grace, Arts & Culture Program Manager
    - Phone: 508-996-8253, ext. 203
    - Email: rgrace@cfsema.org

    4. Review Timeline: For detailed timeline of the grants process, visit https://www.cfsema.org/about-us/creative-commonwealth#G5

    Required Materials:

  • Letter of Interest (preliminary application)

  • Proposals should be reflective of the needs and interests of the populations applicants wish to serve

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    What New Bedford Economic Development actually gave

    Source: IRS Form 990-PF, 2024

    Grants in 2024
    63
    Total given
    $1.02M
    Median grant
    $20K
    Range
    $5,900–$34K
    • By dollars: Massachusetts 100%. Top recipient cities: New Bedford, MA; Fall River, MA; Lowell, MA.
    • 0% of grants with a stated purpose were for general or operating support.
    • 86% of recipients were new grantees, not repeat recipients.

    Example grants

    • Bristol Community College · Fall River, MA

      Economic development support

      $34K

    • Cape Verdean Association · New Bedford, MA

      Economic development support

      $26K

    • Co-Creative Center Inc · New Bedford, MA

      Economic development support

      $25K

    • E for All · Lowell, MA

      Economic development support

      $25K

    • Junior Achievement · New Bedford, MA

      Economic development support

      $25K

    IRS Form 990-PF, 2024. Amounts as reported by the funder. Full 990 history →

    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    artsnonprofitsimmigration

    Categories

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