Bethann Steiner, Public Affairs Director
The Baker-Polito Administration released its FY23 Capital Spending Plan on May 5, 2022, investing $2.78 billion into the Commonwealth’s capital needs. Mass Cultural Council is thrilled to announce that for the eighth consecutive year the Administration has invested $10 million into the cultural sector in their Capital Spending Plan, through the Cultural Facilities Fund (CFF).
CFF, which Mass Cultural Council administers in partnership with MassDevelopment, provides major improvement grants to nonprofit, municipal, and higher education cultural facilities in recognition of their profound economic impact on communities across Massachusetts.
From 2007-2021 the CFF has awarded $140 million to 1,174 projects across the Commonwealth, employing more than 33,410 architects, engineers, contractors, and construction workers. The nonprofit organizations engaged in this work expect to add 2,809 new permanent jobs after completing their projects.
The CFF’s impact extends beyond the nonprofit cultural sector in ways that benefit Massachusetts’ broader economy. The organizations awarded grants generate millions in annual economic activity through direct spending on everything from supplies to energy and advertising. They are popular tourist destinations: prior to the COVID-19 pandemic more than six million people visited these sites, one-third from out of state. The CFF has also spurred private investment, leveraging about $2.5 billion in spending from the funded projects. Finally, CFF grants contribute to cultural preservation by helping to restore and expand many of our nation’s most treasured historical landmarks.
It is anticipated that the FY23 CFF application period will open this fall. Follow the Agency on social media (@masscultural) or sign up for our monthly Power of Culture e-newsletter for updates on this and all other grant programs, services, and events. You can also connect with our CFF Program Team, Jay Paget and Miranda Cook, with questions.