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.
What does "open on a rolling basis" mean?
We have a limited amount of funds allotted for each of our grant programs and are reviewing/granting in monthly batches to more efficiently get funds out to grantees throughout Essex County. Once the funds for a grant program have been distributed and depleted, the grant program will then be closed for the year and unable to accept additional applications.
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 individual artists who live and/or primarily work in Essex County for grants up to $500.
- The ALAANA Artist Grant is open to individual artists who identify as African, Latine, Asian, Arab or Native American who live and/or primarily work in Essex County for grants up to $5,000.
Which grants can I apply to as a group/org/nonprofit?
- The Special Project Grant is open to groups and nonprofits that primarily work in Essex County 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
Examples of Previously Funded Proposals
- De La Isla: The designer is created a lookbook for their debut ready-to-wear collection, which blends sustainable fashion with Dominican-American cultural influence, aiming to elevate underrepresented voices and narratives in fashion. This project, deeply personal and community-driven, will not only showcase the collection but also provide paid opportunities for local creatives, highlight Lawrence’s artistic potential, and redefine the representation of Afro-Caribbean and Latinx culture in contemporary fashion.
- Matters of the He(art): an immersive, meditative installation that invites participants into a sensory-rich space for reflection, healing, and creative expression, where they can engage with sound, sculpture, and art-making. By contributing to a growing community wall and reflecting on the prompt “How is your he(art)?”, visitors actively participate in a shared, evolving experience that encourages emotional processing, connection, and community wellbeing.
- Character Development Coloring Book: aims to create narrative coloring books that explore personal growth and identity within the context of social media, gentrification, and emerging technologies like AI, particularly as they impact low-income communities like Lawrence. By combining engaging visuals with thought-provoking themes, the books will serve as accessible tools for education, reflection, and community conversation, while also supporting local artists through fair compensation and long-term revenue opportunities.
- Beautiful Dreamer: a genre-blending concept album that tells the intergenerational story of immigration, identity, and resilience through rap, soulful choruses, and Caribbean influences. Rooted in personal and family narratives, the project aims to empower immigrant voices, spark cultural dialogue, and foster empathy in the Essex community—particularly among first-generation youth navigating dual identities.
- Grito Catártico, Mi Vocalización Primaria: reflects their journey through emotional landscapes shaped by family, culture, and personal struggles, with a focus on healing through automatism abstraction paintings. By using a trance-like, subconscious painting technique, they aim to release pain and trauma, particularly from their childhood and complex relationships with their immigrant family, while offering representation and visibility for marginalized voices in the Afro Latin@ LGBTQIA community.
- Bleeding Hues: uses conceptual photography to explore growing up queer in a religious environment, symbolizing the journey from guilt to self-acceptance and fostering dialogue on LGBTQIA+ and religious tolerance
- Venice Architectural Biennale: developed in partnership with the Asian female-led firm SSD Architecture, explores how spatial design can advance environmental justice and social equity through a cross-cultural installation debuting at the 2025 Venice Biennale. By integrating student collaboration, sustainable materials, and a digital platform, the work will serve as both a global exhibition and a long-term educational resource, bringing the Biennale’s dialogue back to Essex County to foster ongoing local engagement in the arts and design.
Examples of Previously Funded Proposals
- 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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