YouthReach is a grant from the Mass Cultural Council that funds Creative Youth Development (CYD) programs using arts, humanities, and interpretive sciences to help young people ages 4-24 build social, emotional, and academic skills. Programs must center racial equity, youth voice, and collective action while providing hands-on cumulative learning experiences with a minimum program budget of $20,000.

Eligible applicants include Massachusetts nonprofits, unincorporated organizations with a fiscal agent, Pre-K through 12 schools recognized by DESE, and government entities that have operated a CYD program for at least six months between 2024 and 2026. Awards range from $20,000 to $27,000 per year, with funding available for two- or four-year periods. The application deadline is April 2, 2026.

Historically underfunded and BIPOC-centered organizations are encouraged to apply.

Application Process – Mass Cultural Council Program Planning Resources Boston Youth Arts Evaluation Project Executive Summary & Key Findings Brief History of Adolescence & Youth Development Creating an Evaluation Plan & Designing Tools YouthReach grants support Creative Youth Development programs in the arts, humanities, and sciences that help youth acquire social, emotional, and academic skills through centering youth voices, equity, and collective action.

Además, usted también puede solicitar la traducción de los materiales de la aplicación y que estos se le sean enviados digitalmente. Este proceso tardará de 5 a 10 días hábiles. Mass Cultural Council is happy to offer alternative formats, auxiliary aids, translation, interpretation, and other services necessary so that any individual can participate in Mass Cultural Council’s programs and services.

Contact staff for help . To facilitate your request in a timely manner, please contact us at least three weeks before any Mass Cultural Council event or grant deadline. Mass Cultural Council aims to build a diverse and equitable creative and cultural sector in the Commonwealth.

To that end, historically underfunded organizations are encouraged to apply, including but not limited to Native American, Indigenous, or Urban Indian organizations, BIPOC organizations, d/Deaf & Disability organizations, and organizations serving vulnerable populations. Read the program guidelines below and the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). Download a sample application .

Watch a recorded information session , and/or drop-in on virtual office hours to learn more about the program. Learn more about requesting an accommodation for accessibility including translation and interpretation services . Create a user profile or login to your account in the grants management system.

(See details under “Grants Management System” below.) Complete and submit the online application by 11:59pm (ET) on April 2, 2026. Questions?

Join our virtual office hours or contact program staff .

The following organization types are eligible to apply: Non-Profit Organization that has an active status with the IRS at the time of application (not revoked or dissolved) that is: Registered to do business in the Commonwealth, in good standing with the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth at time of application (not dissolved or revoked) and listed in the Corporate Division’s Business Entity database Massachusetts organization registered with the Office of the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Non-Profit Organizations/Public Charities Division.

Unincorporated Organization: with a Massachusetts address, conducting 50% or more of its programming in Massachusetts, operating with an eligible fiscal agent. ( Refer to FAQs for more guidance .) Pre-K–12 School: Any Massachusetts public, charter, or private school serving grades Pre-K–12.

The school must be recognized by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) with a 2025-2026 ESE School ID. Government Entity: a federally recognized tribal, state, or municipal government entity in Massachusetts. Eligible organizations must meet the following requirements: Organizations must have operated a Creative Youth Development (CYD) program for a minimum of six months between 2024 and 2026.

Review Key Characteristics of CYD and/or the 10 Dimensions of Powerful Art Education . The proposed youth programming must be primarily arts, humanities, or interpretive sciences. Proposed programs must provide a specific and consistent group of young people hands-on cumulative learning through creation.

Programs should be designed so that participants have the option of multi-year participation. Programs must work with Massachusetts youth ages 4-24. Programs must have a minimum budget of $20,000 in cash expenses.

Programs should see themselves in this definition: Creative Youth Development (CYD) is a commitment to supporting young people’s stories, ideas, and dreams through creative expression and honoring their lived experiences. To create environments that promote Creative Youth Development, these three concepts must be present: Racial Equity and Social Justice, Youth Voice, and Collective Action.

Each applicant organization may only submit one application. Each program will only receive one grant. Organizations may collaborate with other applicants.

OTHER MASS CULTURAL COUNCIL FUNDING & ELIGIBILITY To support our equity goals, Mass Cultural Council has taken steps to ensure that we can fund as many organizations as possible. Read our blog for more information .

Organizations receiving funding from the following Mass Cultural Council programs should be aware of additional considerations, as described below: FY27 Cultural District Investment Grants recipients Eligible to apply, but will only be funded by one program: FY27 Operating Grants for Organizations recipients FY27 Cultural Investment Portfolio recipients FY27 Gaming Mitigation Fund applicants/recipients FY27 Creative Experiences applicants/recipients May be eligible to apply: Organizations that manage a state-designated Cultural District might be eligible if it has operations that are independent of the Cultural District.

Applicants may apply for more than one program, however, only one grant will be awarded per organization. Mass Cultural Council will award organizations the largest grant for which they are recommended. Please note that organizations can apply and receive funds from a Local Cultural Council in addition to other Mass Cultural Council programs.

Organizations with questions about grants from more than one Mass Cultural Council grant program should review the FAQs and contact program staff . Application Review Process Not all eligible applicants are guaranteed funding. Mass Cultural Council staff review all applications to confirm eligibility.

Mass Cultural Council will make every effort to ensure accuracy but cannot be held accountable for missing or incorrect information in the relevant sources. Eligible applications will be forwarded to a grant review team that will include a diverse group of individuals who are knowledgeable about the youth arts sector The review team will assign scores to the applications based on the review criteria applicable to all applications.

Individuals who are interested in signing up to be a reviewer should complete the Reviewer Registration Form . Current applicants to the YouthReach program may not serve as reviewers. All reviewers are subject to the Commonwealth’s conflict of interest policies.

Through YouthReach we aim to support programs that celebrate, preserve, and inspire creativity, and use the arts, humanities, and/or interpretive sciences to support transformational change for young people that strengthen their identities and communities.

Mass Cultural Council works to build a diverse and equitable creative and cultural sector in the Commonwealth, ensuring that all who practice and participate in creative and cultural expression see themselves in it.

YouthReach proposals will be reviewed using the following criteria, which serve as the Agency’s definition of excellence for this program per the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) partnership agreement: Required Review Criteria (equally weighted): Please see the FAQs for more information. Mass Cultural Council envisions a diverse creative and cultural sector that is valued as essential in the Commonwealth.

To that end, priorities have been established to support programmatic practices that advance equity, diversity, and inclusion through our services to the sector. Prioritization will include the following: Applicants that have not received funding from Mass Cultural Council in the last three fiscal years (FY26, FY25, FY24), or that are applying for the first time. This does not include grants awarded by Local Cultural Councils.

Applicants that are BIPOC Centered Organizations or BIPOC majority schools: Organization applicants who self-identify as led by and serving people of the global majority — Black, Indigenous, People of Color, Latinx, Asian, Native American, Pacific Islander, and all other ethnicities of color. Learn more about the Agency’s racial equity work .

Applicants wishing to make this BIPOC Centered Organization identification will need to fill out a form in the Agency’s grants management system . School Applicants that are recognized by Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) with a 2025-2026 DESE School ID with student populations that are 50% or more Black, Indigenous, and/or People of Color (BIPOC) as reported by Data Source (2025-2026) .

Applicants that have completed the Arts & Culture Accessibility Self-Assessment . The assessment must be completed and the confirmation uploaded to the YouthReach application prior to the application being submitted. Staff will review the confirmation after the application deadline.

In the event we cannot fund all eligible applications and several applications are tied for the final available award(s), we will first use equitable distribution considerations to break ties. Mass Cultural Council reserves the right to ensure equitable distribution of funding across the Massachusetts cultural sector considering a variety of factors.

This may include, but is not limited to, equitable distribution across county, city/town, discipline, project budget, and/or applicant type. After equitable distribution considerations have been applied, a lottery style randomization will be used to determine how remaining ties will be broken. We anticipate the minimum grant amount for FY27 will be $20,000.

Final grant amounts will be determined after the applications are submitted, depending on the amount of funding available for YouthReach, based on our annual legislative appropriation and the number of applicants to the program. Grant amounts will be redetermined annually. Grant funds are restricted to expenditure on the YouthReach funded program only.

They may not be used for the organizations general operating budget. We anticipate setting two award ranges: $20,000 – $22,000 awarded to organizations that best align with the review criteria and funding priorities.

$25,000 – $27,000 awarded to organizations awarded to organizations that best align with the review criteria and funding priorities AND that have demonstrated investments in mental health and wellness, and/or workforce development through: Inclusion of youth stipends or paid employment in the program for participants.

Inclusion of access to mental health supports or inclusion of significant training opportunities in mental health for staff. In order to be eligible for a $25,000-$27,000 award: Applicants will complete additional narrative questions and provide budget information to demonstrate it continues to be a funded priority for the program.

The review of the materials and determination of eligibility for this award amount will take place as part of the application review process.

MENTAL HEALTH: Programs will provide evidence that they have systems and trained staff to work with young people and navigate systems, for documenting and communicating with cross-sector partners in behavioral health WORKFORCE: Programs will provide evidence that young people are paid a competitive wage as they help young people expand on their strengths, and explore future directions, connections, and opportunities.

Life skills are centered, and opportunities for growth and feedback are provided. Applicants will show they have spent a minimum of $2,500 (actual cash expenses) on either area of focus in FY26 (July 1, 2025-present). Applicants will show they plan to spend at least $2,500 on those areas in their FY27 budget.

Optional Review Criteria (when applying for a $25,000-$27,000 award): Funds are used to employ youth (with a competitive wage) and/or funds are used to track and address mental health needs.

Young people are listened to and cross-sector partnerships have been thoughtfully established (with behavioral health and/or workforce development) Credentials/bios of staff and design of program demonstrate their ability to hear and address needs – including with cultural competency. Mental Health: Staff are equipped with degrees/certifications/and/or evidence of trainings and design programs to address needs.

Workforce: Staff provide growth opportunities, constructive feedback, learning, connections, and opportunities. Successful applicants are eligible to receive funding for a two-year or four-year period. Applicants can indicate if they are requesting funding for two or four years.

However, only roughly half the grant recipients will receive four-year commitments. All awards are contingent upon Mass Cultural Council’s allocation and receipt of sufficient funds from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and National Endowment for the Arts. The award amount may increase or decrease during each of the four years depending on those funding levels.

Each grant year the grantee will receive a new contract.

Year 1: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027 Year 2: July 1, 2027 – June 30, 2028 Year 3: July 1, 2028 – June 30, 2029 Year 4: July 1, 2029 – June 30, 2030 Application Opens : February 5, 2026 Information Session: February 12, 2026 from 2-3pm Office Hours: Dates and time vary Application Deadline : April 2, 2026 Applicant Notification: September 2026 Final Report Deadline: July 6, 2027 All grant recipients are required to submit reports, annually to Mass Cultural Council, detailing the project’s progress, including any proposed changes in timeline, personnel, collaborating organizations, or content, along with annual financial information.

Reports must demonstrate continued commitment to the project by all partners and be signed by officials from the primary applicant agency. Applicants that are designated federal subrecipients will also need to complete a federal fund report in addition to the final report. This report primarily serves as an attestation that funds were not used on prohibited expenses.

See sample federal fund report . HOLDS, MODIFICATIONS, CANCELLATIONS Mass Cultural Council has the right to withhold, reduce, or discontinue funding if a YouthReach grant recipient: Intentionally misrepresents their finances, programming, or other eligibility requirements. Misses reporting deadlines.

Mass Cultural Council will not release the next year’s funding until complete reports are received from the primary applicant. Does not notify the Mass Cultural Council of changes in program collaborators or other significant changes in the project. Demonstrates inadequate recruitment and/or retention of participating youth.

Fails to carry out the program as described in the approved application. Mass Cultural Council may suspend funding if an organization does not meet annual grant requirements. If the organization’s funding is suspended, they will be removed from the grant program and will need to reapply.

Grants will only be paid to the applicant or the applicant’s listed fiscal agent. Grants cannot be transferred or redirected to a third party. If an applicant/fiscal agent is unwilling or unable to accept the grant funds, the grant will be cancelled, and the funds forfeited.

To receive the funds awarded through this program, grantees must complete the following documentation: CASL (Contractor Authorized Signatory Listing) Form Electronic Funds Transfer Form/W-9 including valid EIN State Contract and attachments While Mass Cultural Council staff make every effort to confirm the organization’s legal status and standing during the review process, if during the contracting process it is discovered that the grantee does not meet the eligibility requirements of the program the grant will be cancelled, and the grantee will be notified.

All the necessary documents will be sent via DocuSign to grantees to complete. Grantees who do not have a bank account that the funds can be transferred to can notify the Contract Officer at the time of award notification to request a mailed check. Grantees using a fiscal agent will not be paid directly, the fiscal agent will complete the contract and receive the payment on the grantees’ behalf.

Electronic deposits will be made to the grantee’s account (or a check will be mailed) 7-10 business days after the grantee returns their contract. Mass Cultural Council will make every effort to expedite payments as quickly as possible. Generally, 80% of the funds are distributed in December and 20% are distributed in July after the Final Report has been completed.

For more details, you can read detailed instructions about the Agency’s contracts , as well as contract Frequently Asked Questions .

Legal and Other Requirements Accessibility and Non-Discrimination Policy Mass Cultural Council is committed to ensure that all programs, services, policies, and practices will be formulated and conducted in a manner which will ensure equal access for all people and prevent discrimination not only as a matter of law, but also as a policy designed to encourage the participation of all segments of the Commonwealth’s population in Mass Cultural Council programs and services.

Mass Cultural Council is happy to offer applicants/grantees alternative formats, auxiliary aids, and services necessary so that any individual can participate in the Mass Cultural Council’s programs and services. Contact our staff for help . To facilitate your request in a timely manner, please contact us at least three weeks before any Mass Cultural Council event or grant deadline.

Mass Cultural Council is dedicated to creating a workplace, programs, and services that welcome, respect, and value people of all races, color, age, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, religions, creeds, ancestry, national origin, disability, and veteran status. Mass Cultural Council will not fund any organization or program that discriminates based on these attributes.

We strive to reflect diversity in all activities, programs, and services removing any barriers to accessibility.

Mass Cultural Council and its grantees are expected to comply with: The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Mass Cultural Council’s grantees sign a contract (see contract requirements ) certifying that they will comply with ADA and Section 504.

Mass Cultural Council aims to help grantees understand their obligations and recognize the opportunities that increasing access can support both the public and the grantee. Additional information about Mass Cultural Council’s Accessibility Requirements and Compliance Tools for Grantees are located in our Access Policy .

An applicant may request reconsideration of a Mass Cultural Council decision if the applicant can demonstrate that Mass Cultural Council did not follow published guidelines and procedures. Dissatisfaction with the denial of an award or the award amount does not constitute grounds for reconsideration.

A written request must be sent to the Mass Cultural Council’s Executive Director within 30 days of the date of notification of the decision. Such requests will be reviewed by the Mass Cultural Council Grants Committee and the governing Council. Go to the grants management system and click “Register”.

On the next page select “Organization”. Your organization may already exist in our system. Use the “Organization Name” search to find it.

If you cannot find your organization in the list, you must register your organization in our system. After completing the registration, you should receive an email from “ [email protected] ” to activate your account. Please activate your account within 48 hours.

If you have previously applied for a Mass Cultural Council grant using your email address, you may have a profile in the system already. Here’s how you can check: Go to the online system and click “Forgot Password”. Once you submit your email address, you will receive an email from “ [email protected] ” with a link to reset your password, The link is active for 48 hours.

If you do not receive an email, you do not have an account and you should create one using the instructions above. Contact the grants help desk if you have questions about your account. Proceed to the Online Application 10 St.

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