Bethann Steiner, Senior Director of Public Affairs
The Healey-Driscoll Administration released their second, five-year capital spending plan today, detailing more than $3.1 billion in spending in FY25 to address the Commonwealth’s critical needs. This plan sets Massachusetts on a path to invest nearly $15.6 billion over five years.
Mass Cultural Council is grateful to note the Administration’s continued strong support for the creative and cultural sector’s primary capital grant program, the Cultural Facilities Fund (CFF), in this plan. Thank you to Governor Healey for pledging to invest $10 million into the CFF next year, and in the four years that follow (FY26-29).
The Governor’s policy spotlight on Commonwealth Culture notes:
Massachusetts is home to a wide array of historical and cultural sites. The richness of the Commonwealth’s history and culture not only strengthens our economy, playing a crucial role in the growth of local tourism and creating thousands of jobs, but is also a large part of our identity. Through the FY25-FY29 CIP, the Healey-Driscoll Administration is committing $50 million to Cultural Facilities Fund Grants. In collaboration with the Massachusetts Cultural Council and MassDevelopment, these capital improvement grants are awarded to nonprofit, municipal, and higher education institutions to fund planning, acquisition, rehabilitation, and construction for cultural facilities.
You can review the Governor’s FY25-29 Capital Spending Plan online.
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. To learn more about the economic impact of the program, review the most recent annual report.
Earlier this week, Mass Cultural Council, MassDevelopment, and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll were joined by legislators, municipal leaders, and dozens of CFF grantees at a celebration at the Children’s Museum in Easton.
It is anticipated that the FY25 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.