Grants
2026 Creative County Initiative Grants
ECCF’s Creative County offers multiple grant programs in support of Essex County artists, cultural organizations and the creative economy
For questions, please review the FAQs and Info Session video below.
Please note that the Partnership Grant is not available this year
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Our grant programs have limited funding and we aim to spread their impact across Essex County's 34 communities. Therefore, the number of grants per year for each community may be limited.
How does the Grant Review timing work? When will I hear back?
- First week of the month: we group together the proposals to present to the Grants Review Panel.
- Panel then has about a week to read through on their own and submit their feedback.
- Second week of the month: we compile the feedback and meet with each Grants' Panel to finalize decisions.
- Third week of the month: we should be able to provide updates to the applicants and begin processing payments.
Can I apply to more than one grant program in a specific year?
No. From CCI's three annual grant programs (Special Projects, ALAANA, and Last Mile Fund), applicants may only submit one [1] proposal to one [1] CCI grant program per calendar year.
Our grant programs have limited funding and we aim to spread their impact across Essex County's 34 communities.
Can I apply for the same grant program two years in a row?
If you received funding from a specific grant program last year, we will not be able to fund you through the same grant program again this year. For example: if you received ALAANA last year, you are ineligble to reapply this year.
Our grant programs have limited funding and we aim to spread their impact across Essex County's 34 communities.
Please consider reviewing one of the other two of three grant programs instead: creativecounty.org/grants
Can I apply for a Special Project Grant for an existing event/program?
Special Project Grants are only available for:
- first-annual/inaugural events
- pilot programs
- a new element to an existing program/annual event
They are not available for:
- continuing an event or program
- one-time events / single productions
- expenses for past projects that have already occurred
- general operational expenses
- proposals that are not aligned with Creative County's core vision
Which grants can I apply to as an individual artist?
- The Last Mile Fund is open to all individual artists for grants up to $500.
- The ALAANA Artist Grant is open to individual artists who identify as African, Latine, Asian, Arab or Native American for grants up to $5,000.
Will I be taxed if I receive an ALAANA Artist Grant?
ALAANA is open to individual artists.
- If you choose to receive the grant as an individual the funds will be taxed according to State law.
- If you choose to accept your grant through a fiscal agent/501(c)3, the funds will not be taxable to you.
We recommend that you consult with your tax professional for any specific advice regarding these options.
Will I be taxed if I receive a Last Mile Fund Grant?
LMF grants are no more than $500 and therefore fall under the $600 threshold that is generally taxable under Massachusetts State law. We recommend that you consult with your tax professional for any specific advice.
Do I have to submit a Grant Report?
- YES: ALAANA Artist Grant & Special Project Grant
- NO: Last Mile Fund
Past Grantees
- Sunil Gulab: Lynn Seniors African Art workshops + creation of a large 48"x60" piece to hang at the Lynn Senior Center
- Y-Binh Nguyen: Creative exploration of artist’s identity through research, writing, travel
- Edwin Cabrera: Support the completion of Lynn Hip Hop Documentary
- uBuyile Narwele: New choreographic work #SIDELINES through African Street Dance Initiative
- Rixy: Public Art making with Elevated Thought
- Raquel Jimenez: Community Dream Pop-ups, art making and activities at Lynn Museum/ Lynn Arts
- James "Jayvie" Mora: Book Publication & Launch
- Linda Mullen: Artistic exploration of family and indigenous ancestry
Past Grantees
- Arpeggione Ensemble, Inc. (Beverly): Screening of Nosferatu (1922) with live orchestra at Cinema Salem.
- Awesome Gloucester (Rockport): Maritime heritage murals of cod and mackerel (#6 and #7 in series).
- Bread & Roses Heritage Festival (Lawrence): Boosting literacy with free books and a “Story Walk” in partnership with the library.
- Brothers In Arms Men's Support Circle (Lawrence): Creation of a Juneteenth Festival in Lawrence.
- Cape Ann Art Haven (Gloucester): Digital art curriculum for middle and high school students.
- Cape Ann Museum: New LGBTQ+ events: “Pride Family Picnic” and “Lavender Speakeasy.”
- Elevated Thought (Lawrence): Community-engaged murals to revitalize downtown Lawrence.
- Essex Art Center (Lawrence): Facade project with poetry and banners by local artists and writers.
- Essex Shipbuilding Museum (Essex): Tents and staging for inaugural Arts and Culture Festival.
- Haverhill Historical Society: “A Seat at the Table” exhibit, lecture, and children’s program.
- Heathmere Center (Beverly): Community Art & Peace Circle featuring mindfulness and meditation.
- Irise Dance Project (Lawrence): Artist in Residence program with workshops and “Studio Sessions.”
- La House (Lawrence): Public art project addressing spatial justice with community input.
- Lanes Coven Theater Co. (Gloucester): “$5 Buck Sundays” outdoor Shakespeare/classical plays.
- LEO Inc. (Lynn): Mosaic Cultural Project connecting residents to Lynn’s diverse heritage.
- Lynn Music Foundation (Lynn): Lynn Music Festival on the beach to celebrate local music.
- Maia Mattson (Gloucester): Backyard Growcery eco-art programming.
- Northeast Regional Folk Alliance: Coffee & Wood Concert Series for touring folk artists.
- PeabodyTV (Peabody): Young artist music festival featuring youth performers.
- Presente! Festival (Lawrence): Cultural arts event providing free performances and celebrating heritage.
- Task Force Against Discrimination (Marblehead): First AAPI Heritage Month celebration with cultural performances.
Examples of Previously Funded Proposals
- Travel expenses for artistic tours and event participation
- Promotion and event travel for poetry publications
- Venue and material costs for showcases, exhibitions, and workshops
- Installation support for ceramic kilns, murals, and public art projects
- Equipment and supply purchases (e.g., sound equipment, signage, framing)
- Fashion show fees, materials, and ready-to-wear collection support
- Vendor space and pop-up event assistance
- Performance, recording, and musician hiring support
- Membership, submission, and professional development fees
- Event and branding support for festivals and cultural showcases
- Culinary and cultural event participation support
- Creative writing and academic program support
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