Mass Cultural Council Launches LCC Program Grant Cycle

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BOSTON – Mass Cultural Council announces that grant applications are now available for the FY25 Local Cultural Council (LCC) Program.

In FY25, Mass Cultural Council will invest $5.7 million into the LCC Program, the nation's largest volunteer-based, grassroots arts and culture public funding network. In total, 329 local and regional cultural councils award annual grants, ensuring public investment in, and access to, arts and culture in every Massachusetts community.

LCC grant awards, typically between $500-$750, support a broad range of projects and programs, such as operating support, ticket subsidies, field trips, artist residencies, public art, fellowships, community events/programs, site specific projects, and other activities, based on local priorities. Both individuals and organizations are eligible for funding.


Each LCC determines its own local eligibility requirements based on a community engagement process. Prospective applicants are encouraged to check each LCC's Council Profile to learn more about the local priorities for this funding round.

Key dates for the FY25 LCC Program grant round include:

Prospective applicants are encouraged to review the program guidelines for more information, including directions on how to apply.

 


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Pittsfield Considering Nonprofit for School Investigation

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The City Council and School Committee will consider a children's advocacy nonprofit to audit the Pittsfield Public Schools.

On Tuesday, the council supported a petition from Ward 1 Councilor Kenneth Warren requesting to schedule a joint meeting to receive a presentation from Jetta Bernier, executive director of Enough Abuse.

"The object is, we're trying to address a serious problem of sexual abuse in the schools," Warren said. "And I want to get this off the ground and I want to get us moving."

On Dec. 11, PHS Dean of Students Lavante Wiggins was arrested and charged by the U.S. Attorney's Office for allegedly conspiring to traffic large quantities of cocaine. He was the first of three staff members to be put on administrative leave, the other two being investigated by the state Department of Children and Families.

Another former staff member at PHS is also under DCF investigation and a civil complaint has been filed against a recently retired teacher and the school related to sexual harassment.

Bulkley Richardson Gelinas of Springfield has been hired for "independent and impartial investigations of certain Pittsfield Public School employees." Last week, the School Committee tabled a retainer agreement with Mirick and O'Connell to audit the district's employment practices and procedures, a second investigation.

Warren pointed out that issues are constantly raised in the city and then die down. He doesn't want to see that happen here.

"Some of that occurs when the public doesn't have much of an opportunity to be involved. I think you see that with the public not having a chance to address the investigation process. I'm lucky that I'm a public official so I was able to address some of the investigation components that should have been added that weren't," he said.

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