Advancement Committee urges support for CFF technical corrections bill to expand grant eligibility

The Massachusetts Cultural Council Advancement Committee on Oct. 8 urged support for a Cultural Facilities Fund (CFF) technical corrections bill pending in the Legislature that staff say would remove certain size and age restrictions on municipal projects and explicitly permit tribal governments to apply on the same basis as municipalities. Senior Director of Public Affairs Bethann Steiner told the committee she planned to testify on the bill later that day.

Co-Chair Iván Espinoza-Madrigal told members he and Council Chair Marc Carroll attended a recent CFF celebration at Zumix in East Boston and reported hearing from grantee organizations that CFF grants finance essential capital work—examples cited included HVAC upgrades that are difficult to fund through typical fundraising appeals. Iván said the CFF can also help organizations kick-start capital campaigns by signaling state support to other funders.

Bethann said the agency is also tracking a separate "STEM to STEAM" education bill; she testified previously on that measure and thanked Council members Ashley, Donna and Tom for submitting letters in support. Bethann asked members to use staff-provided language when reaching out to their legislators and to send copies to the relevant legislative committees; she said staff would circulate the specifics and the appropriate contact lists.

The committee also approved the minutes of its Aug. 11, 2025 meeting by roll call vote after a motion by Marc Carroll and a second from Anika Lopes; Tom Bernard was recorded as abstaining. Bethann and other staff asked members to help amplify the CFF bill and related outreach as testimony and committee votes proceed.

Next steps: Bethann Steiner was scheduled to testify that day on the CFF technical corrections bill; staff will circulate draft outreach language and committee contact information for members who wish to write in support.