BOSTON– The Mass Cultural Council and MassDevelopment have announced a combined $623,000 in new capital grants to support four nonprofit cultural organizations through the Cultural Facilities Fund (CFF), a statewide program designed to keep Massachusetts’ cultural spaces safe, accessible, and in good repair.
The funding will benefit organizations in Leverett, Stoneham, Provincetown, and Belchertown, with each project subject to a 1:1 matching requirement.
“Our cultural spaces are where Massachusetts comes together — to learn, to celebrate, and to be inspired,” said Michael J. Bobbitt, Executive Director of Mass Cultural Council. “Through the Cultural Facilities Fund, we’re helping ensure these beloved places remain safe, welcoming, and vibrant for everyone who walks through their doors.”
The grants were approved by the MassDevelopment Board of Directors and include:
Friends of North Leverett Sawmill (Leverett) – $196,000 to add a new well, septic system, and bathrooms.
Greater Boston Stage Company (Stoneham) – $160,000 for auditorium and lobby renovations.
Fine Arts Work Center (Provincetown) – $137,000 to upgrade artist and cultural workforce housing units.
Clapp Memorial Library (Belchertown) – $130,000 to replace deteriorating windows with historically accurate, energy-efficient models.
“From a library in Belchertown to artist housing in Provincetown, today’s funding will support key renovation or expansion projects at cherished institutions across Massachusetts,” said Navjeet Bal, President and CEO of MassDevelopment. “This investment helps ensure future generations can access and enjoy these spaces.”
Local leaders praised the grants as vital to preserving and improving their facilities. Friends of the North Leverett Sawmill Treasurer Susan Lynton called the award “a crucial step toward bringing this historic building back to life as a valued arts and recreation venue.” Heather Mell, Managing Director of the Greater Boston Stage Company, said the grant “is not only an investment in our physical space, but also in the future of the arts in our community.”
Since its creation in 2006, the Cultural Facilities Fund has awarded more than $181 million to over 1,600 projects, helping to create jobs, spur tourism, and attract nearly $3 billion in additional investment across the Commonwealth.
Applications for the FY26 Cultural Facilities Fund are now open through December 11, 2025, with new awards expected to be announced in May 2026.
