Excellence In the Arts Grant

The Edward C. and Ann T. Roberts Foundation, established over six decades ago, was created by Ned and Sunny Roberts to preserve and enhance the rich cultural heritage of Hartford, Connecticut. Since its inception, the foundation has been a steadfast supporter of the arts, focusing exclusively on promoting aesthetic excellence. Their guiding principle is to fund artistic endeavors that elevate the human spirit, with a special emphasis on supporting local organizations that contribute to the region's cultural vibrancy. The foundation's Excellence in the Arts program is its flagship grant initiative, aiming to support nonprofit arts organizations within Hartford County. Funding is restricted to federally recognized 501(c)(3) organizations, and preference is given to those operating in Hartford, Bloomfield, East Hartford, Farmington, New Britain, Newington, South Windsor, West Hartford, Wethersfield, and Windsor. While applications from contiguous towns may be considered, such applicants are encouraged to consult with the foundation’s executive director in advance. The foundation maintains strict eligibility rules and expects applicants to be in compliance with reporting requirements for any previous awards. Grants are awarded quarterly, and the application process begins with a required consultation via email or phone with the executive director. For first-time applicants, a site visit may be requested. Organizations seeking amounts of $25,000 or more are advised to submit a brief project description before submitting a full application. Additionally, organizations must provide a final report for any previous Roberts Foundation grants before applying again, and after consecutive years of funding, may be asked to skip a year. The foundation does not support endowments, general operating support, scholarships, or individual applicants. Projects that are already underway or that will occur within 90 days of the application deadline are ineligible. Likewise, proposals that use fiscal agents or originate from public schools are not eligible for funding. As part of the application, applicants must complete an eligibility quiz, answer all application questions, and upload required attachments via the online form. A final report with the proposed versus actual budget must be submitted after project completion. A notable aspect of the foundation’s commitment to artistic integrity is its Visual Artist Compensation Policy, initiated in February 2022. This policy mandates fair payment to living visual artists participating in funded projects. Compensation must not include indirect costs like shipping or marketing and cannot be waived without proper tax acknowledgment. The policy discourages juried shows requiring artist entry fees and places emphasis on supporting experienced professionals rather than beginners or students. In 2026, application deadlines are February 2, May 1, August 3, and November 2. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. ET on the due date. The board meets shortly after each deadline to make decisions—scheduled dates in 2026 include March 13, June 9, September 15, and December 8. Organizations are informed of decisions soon after each meeting. The foundation expects projects to be completed within 12 months of grant receipt and requires submission of a final report before new proposals will be considered.

Discuss major requests early; Ensure prior report submitted; Site visits may be required.