In Massachusetts, public funding for the arts, humanities, and interpretive sciences is provided through a central state agency- the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC)- and through a network of local cultural councils (LCCs) that serve every city and town in the state. The economic vitality of our communities is supported by Massachusetts residents and the Massachusetts Legislature through annual appropriations for distribution by MCC to Local Councils for re-granting. The funds are awarded to applicants, either individuals or groups, and are of two types:

LCCs are made up of volunteers who are appointed by the Board of Selectmen for a term of three years. There are five or six meetings annually, including a public hearing to provide grant information. The LCC is responsible for making final decisions on how to best serve the cultural needs of Framingham in selecting grant recipients and the amount of each grant.