Evelyn W. Preston Memorial Fund

The Evelyn W. Preston Memorial Fund was established in 1978 under the will of Miss Evelyn Wallace Preston. The fund provides financial support for music concerts held in parks and other public locations in the City of Hartford, Connecticut. These concerts must take place during the months of June, July, August, and September and be open to the general public. The fund is dedicated to enhancing community engagement through musical performances in accessible, outdoor venues. The purpose of this grant is to support nonprofit organizations that plan and execute public music concerts in Hartford. Eligible applicants include nonprofit arts organizations, social service agencies, senior centers, faith-based organizations, folk societies, cultural centers, and colleges or universities. Individual artists may also apply but must do so in partnership with a nonprofit organization or a church that acts as their fiscal sponsor. The fund emphasizes broad community access to music and encourages recurring or new projects that align with its mission. Funding will cover the costs associated with organizing and hosting these concerts, provided they meet key requirements. Concerts must feature at least two musical instruments to qualify. Events must be actively promoted and made widely available to the public. Fiscal sponsors applying on behalf of artists or groups must submit a project budget that includes fees or percentages charged to those they sponsor. Nonprofit organizations may submit one application for their own projects, along with one application for projects they are sponsoring. There are several funding restrictions. Individual artists or groups cannot apply without a fiscal sponsor. For-profit organizations, public school districts, and government agencies in Hartford are not eligible. The grant does not support in-school arts education programs, general operating expenses, equipment purchases, fundraising events, or parades. Additionally, concerts funded by the Preston Fund cannot solicit financial donations during performances. Applications are reviewed by a panel of artists and arts professionals based on several key criteria, including artistic merit, project clarity, feasibility, prior achievements, and outreach plans. The application must provide a comprehensive description of the project, its target audience, and expected impact. Budgets should be realistic and demonstrate the ability to secure additional funding sources. Applications for this grant are due by February 28. The Connecticut office of the Bank of America Private Bank manages this trust. For any questions regarding the application process, applicants are encouraged to contact the grantmaking team via email at ct.grantmaking@bofa.com, specifying the foundation name in the subject line.