Melrose Cultural Council Accepting Grant Proposals
September 2 through October 16 for 2026 Calendar Year
Melrose, MA: The Melrose Cultural Council (MCC) is seeking proposals for communityoriented arts, cultural, and interpretive sciences events and programming with broad
public benefit and impact. The Local Cultural Council (LCC) annual grant application cycle
opens Tuesday, September 2, and closes Thursday, October 16.
The MCC's goal is
to provide financial support on a direct-granting basis to a variety of
projects that appeal to the diverse population and cultures within our community -
reaching adults of all ages, youth, children, families, and seniors. Information about the
online application, eligibility guidelines, local priorities, and past grants can be found on
our website: melroseculture.org/apply.
Grant Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must present their events and programming
during the upcoming calendar year (January 1-December 31, 2026) at a
local ADA compliant venue. Applicants are urged to closely read and follow the LCC Program
eligibility guidelines and local priorities available on the Massachusetts Cultural Council
website. As in
our most recent grant cycle, the MCC may now fully fund approved
projects, eliminating the need for applicants to seek additional sources of funding. We do
not accept requests for capital expenditures, individual scholarships, or multi-year
repeating programs. First-time applicants are encouraged to submit a proposal.
Prospective applicants are welcome to contact the MCC to ask questions or to receive
feedback on proposals before submitting. Grants are competitive, and not all requests
are awarded or fully funded. In 2025, 32 grants were awarded, ranging from $300 to
$3,000. In total, nearly $38,000 was disbursed to 2025 grant recipients.
Priorities: Our 2026 priorities are informed by a recent community outreach survey. We
are actively encouraging applications that address inclusion, diversity, and equity.
Preference will be given to projects that build community through social connections and
dialogue. We hope to elevate the voices and experiences of historically underrepresented
groups by authentically reflecting and highlighting the current and historic diversity of
Melrose residents through arts and culture. Projects that speak to the experience of
Massachusetts artists and audiences who identify as BIPOC, Latinx, LGBTQIA, immigrant,
or live with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Proposals for innovative ideas,
CB collaborations, and new initiatives that produce free public events and activities
outdoor spaces are most favorably welcomed. in About the Council: The MCC is the local affiliate of the Massachusetts Cultural Council.
Part of a statewide network in cities and towns funded by the legislature, MCC is
committed to supporting programs that promote excellence, education, cultural
diversity, inclusion, and equity to foster a rich and vibrant cultural life in Melrose.
Additional funding for the 2026 funding cycle is provided by the City of Melrose through a
free cash appropriation approved by the City Council. Grants are given to Melrose
organizations, individuals, and Massachusetts artists/presenters in partnership with local
organizations. We encourage and support programs across all arts disciplines — visual
arts, music, theater, dance, writing, projects in the humanities, history, local culture, and
interpretive sciences.
email: melrosecultural@gmail.com
Free Event See Flyer for more info.
Melrose Flag Football League
Registration Deadline: Aug 15 (spots are limited)
Season: Sept 6 – Nov 1
Saturdays Fred Green Field
Grade K – 2 4:15pm – 5:15pm
Grade 3 – 4 5:00pm – 6:30pm
Grade 5 – 6 6:00pm – 7:30pm
For more information and to register please visit Melrose Recreation at www.cityofmelrose.org/recreation.
Melrose Middle School Football
Registration Deadline: Aug 15 (spots are limited)
Season Begins: August 18 – early November
Grades 6 – 8
Fred Green Field
Practices: Mon – Wed, 3pm – 5pm
Games: Wed or Thu evenings
Grade based tackle football. No weight restrictions. Open to all skill levels. 8 game regular season against surrounding communities. All equipment and transportation provided.
For more information and to register please visit Melrose Recreation at www.cityofmelrose.org/recreation.
Frank Olivieri, CPRE
Director of Recreation
City of Melrose
562 Main St. Melrose, MA 02176
Phone: 781-979-4179
Email: folivieri@cityofmelrose.org
As part of the Massachusetts Cultural Council annual grant awards cycle,
the Melrose Cultural Council (MCC) is asking residents to help shape the community's arts
and culture program by advising the council on the types of programming they would like to
see in Melrose in 2026.
Interested residents can complete the survey at melroseculture.org/survey. While the
Massachusetts Cultural Council sets funding guidelines for state arts and cultural funds,
feedback from Melrose residents will help define funding priorities that are specific to the
Melrose community.
About the Council: The MCC is the local affiliate of the Massachusetts Cultural Council. The
MCC seeks to promote excellence, education, cultural diversity, and inclusion, and foster a
rich and vibrant cultural life in Melrose. Grants are awarded to Melrose organizations,
individuals, and Massachusetts artists/presenters in partnership with local organizations.
We encourage and support programs across all arts and disciplines - visual arts, music,
drama, dance, writing, projects in the humanities, history, local culture, and interpretive
sciences. Events may include concerts, theater and dance performances, artists-in residence, poetry slams, festivals, workshops, exhibits, public art, murals, and installations.
For Immediate Release: June 27, 2025
Contacts: Jim Bracciale, Sarah Bolha, Melrose Cultural Council Co-Chairs
Email: melrosecultural@gmail.com
