This two-page document provides insight as to how the Lynn Cultural Council will review grant applications this year. Please contact us with any questions at lynnculturalcouncil@gmail.com

1. 1
GRANT SCORING: AN OVERVIEW
APPLICATION DEADLINE: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2015
(Postmark to 590 Washington St. or email to lynnculturalcouncil@gmail.com by 11:00pm)
More information at: mass-culture.org/lynn and facebook.com/lynnculturalcouncil
This document is meant as a guide to help LCC applicants understand how their submissions will be
reviewed and scored.
Questions? Please contact us: lynnculturalcouncil@gmail.com or 781-691-0060.
Because we are a volunteer group, please try to contact us as early as you can prior to grant
submission.
Thank you and we look forward to reviewing your application! 
FIRST LEVEL OF CRITERIA
All of thefollowing answers must be“yes” for grant reviewers to proceed to the second level.
 Application submitted on time? Submitted online by 11pm on October 15th or postmarked
by same date.
 Venue confirmed? Applicants must state the venue where the proposed project will occur,
and show that venue owners have approved this project.
 Applicable field of interest?
o ARTS: Creation of work in the crafts, performing, visual, media, folk, design, literary,
and interdisciplinary arts. Also presentation and preservation of and education
about works in these disciplines.
o HUMANITIES: Types of learning that deal with human values and aspirations, human
thought and culture, language, and creativity. Examples include, but are not limited
to, history, social studies, philosophy, criticism, and literature.
o INTERPRETIVE SCIENCES: Types of learning that deal with nature, science, and
technology in ways that explain how they relate to people's lives. Some examples of
organizations that conduct interpretive science activities areaquariums,
arboretums, botanical gardens, nature centers, natural history and anthropology
museums, planetariums, and science and technology centers.
o Includes Dance, Folk Arts, Humanities, Literature, Music, Science, Theater, Visual
Arts
 ADA compliant? LCC applicants should check venues to ensure compliance, but we also
recognize that certain venues in Lynn are not yet ADA compliant due to their age.
 No substitution?For the school system, libraries, parks, and city of Lynn, LCC funding cannot
replace salaries, stipends, or capital/equipment costing $500+.

2. 2
SECOND LEVEL OF CRITERIA
For the following questions, points will be assigned if the answer is yes.
 Lynn-based applicant?Iforganization applicant: Headquartered in Lynn. If individual:
Resides in Lynn.
 Underserved reach?LCC defines underserved broadly, and includes low-income, inner-
city/downtown-based, elderly, racial/ethnic minorities, single parents, non-native English
speakers, children enrolled in any Lynn school, veterans, and GLBT.
 Applicant not previously funded by LCC?
 Number of peoplebenefited: Points will increase for highernumbers of peoplebenefited.
LCC-funded activities must contribute to Lynn’s cultural vitality as a whole, rather than
benefiting any private individual or group. However, this does not mean that a large crowd
of people needs to participate in order to satisfy the public benefit requirement. For example,
an artist working with a small group of teens is a valid public benefit. Whenever possible,
activities funded by the LCC should be available to the general public by exhibit,
performance, demonstration, reading, or other means.
THIRD LEVEL OF CRITERIA
For the following criteria, points will be assigned based on the strength ofeach answer.
 Performer identified: Refers to the artist, musician, teacher, mentor, or leader who will
carry out the proposed program.
 Performer qualifications: "Performer's" relevant experience, resume, bio, and track record
will help LCC to determine qualifications.
 Satisfactory applicant credentials: Ensures that the applicant, not necessarily the
"performer," has experience and proven success in serving the population(s) benefited by
the proposed project.
 Adequateexpenses and income listed: The LCC will determine whether the financials seem
appropriate for the size, scope, and goals of the proposed project.
 Budget balanced and accurate: The budget equals out to zeroand math is correct.
 Provision for partial funding: The applicant provides a reasonable explanation as to how
s/he will secure 100% of the funding needed for the proposed project, since LCC cannot fund
100% of any project.
COMMON PITFALLS TO AVOID
The applicant:
 Does not fill out budget.
 Requests 100% of a project’s funding. Last year, 11 of the 49 grant requests (22.4%) sought
100% funding.
 Does not have a confirmed venue. Last year, 4 of the 49 (8%) requests had no confirmed
venue.
 Does not provide project dates/range of dates.
 Does not properly explain the project.
 Has not submitted prior year reimbursements or submits incomplete reimbursements.
 Receives a grant in a prior year but did not complete the project.
 Makes unreasonable demands of the LCC.