ROCHESTER – The Rochester Cultural Council (RCC) is now accepting online applications from organizations, schools and individuals for grants to support community-oriented arts, humanities and science programs.

If you have a great idea for bringing culturally enriching programming to the Rochester area and need funding to make it a reality, the council wants to help. The online application window will be open from Sept. 1 to Oct. 17.

The Rochester Cultural Council is composed of a group of volunteers appointed by the Rochester Select Board. Their mission is to promote excellence, access and diversity in the arts, humanities and sciences in order to enhance the quality of life in the Rochester community.

The RCC is a part of the Local Cultural Council (LCC) Program which is the largest grassroots cultural funding network in the nation supporting thousands of community-based projects in the arts, humanities, and sciences annually. This program is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency who yearly award local councils more than $3 million in grants to more than 5,000 cultural programs statewide.

The council strives to achieve these goals through the funding of local programs with grants awarded by the Mass Cultural Council. Special priority is given to non-profit applicants from the town of Rochester, and to surrounding community projects that would substantially enrich Rochester. Inspiration may include programs such as school field trips, afterschool programs, concerts, festivals, lectures, theater, dance, music and film. LCC projects may take place in schools, community centers, libraries, elder care facilities, town halls, parks and wherever communities come together.

Quick links to tips for grant writing and the application process can be found on the council’s Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/rochestermaculturalcouncil or https://bit.ly/RCCTips.

The RCC is always looking to welcome new members. To find out more about them, feel free to attend one of their open meetings or email them at rochesterculturalcouncil@gmail.com.