Connecticut Arts Grants

The Edward C. and Ann T. Roberts Foundation administers the Creating New Work Grant Program to foster creativity in Greater Hartford by supporting local artists in the creation of new work in partnership with arts organizations. The program advances excellence in the arts and strengthens collaborations that benefit artists, organizations, and the community. Projects must be completed within 24 months of award. Organizations are selected based on artistic excellence, quality of collaboration with the artist, and potential community impact. A post grant report is required within six months of project close. Organizations may apply for either the Creation of New Work grant or an Excellence in the Arts grant in a calendar year. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) arts organizations in the geographic area served by the foundation, with priority to Hartford, Bloomfield, East Hartford, Newington, West Hartford, Wethersfield, and Windsor. Artists may not apply directly and must partner with an eligible organization. The program is designed to support artists who primarily live or work in Greater Hartford and surrounding towns listed by the foundation. Applications are due May 1, 2024. Grant duration is two years. Additional information is available from the Edward C. and Ann T. Roberts Foundation.

The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Foundation for Community & Health Advancement is offering its Mental Health Matters Grant Program, aiming to bolster mental health resources across Arizona. This initiative aligns directly with the Foundation's broader mission to advance community health by addressing critical health needs, in this case, mental well-being. The program's core objective is to expand statewide resources, which includes increasing access to mental health services and support systems throughout all counties in Arizona. The grant program specifically targets non-profit organizations and academic institutions that are working to improve mental health outcomes. The ultimate impact goal is to reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues, making it easier for individuals to seek and receive necessary care. By connecting people to care that promotes positive mental health, the Foundation seeks to save lives and improve the overall well-being of Arizona residents. The program prioritizes mental health competitive grants, with individual awards up to $125,000. These funds are intended to support direct project-related expenses. The Foundation's strategic priorities are evident in its exclusion of funding for lobbying, capital expenditures (such as buildings, construction, or renovations), and services that are otherwise billable. This focus ensures that the grant money is directly applied to program implementation and service delivery, maximizing its impact on mental health initiatives. The expected outcomes of the Mental Health Matters Grant Program include an increase in available mental health resources, a measurable reduction in mental health stigma, and a greater number of individuals successfully connected to mental health care services. The project period for these grants is from September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2025, allowing for a focused year of activity. This clear timeline and funding structure reflect the Foundation's theory of change, which posits that strategic investment in direct mental health support and anti-stigma efforts will lead to improved community mental health and healthier lives for Arizona citizens.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local nonprofits in six Connecticut communities to enhance programs that directly benefit their residents.

The Town of Trumbull is offering ARPA Nonprofit Grants to community-based organizations and nonprofits serving Trumbull residents. This program aims to support the COVID-19 public health and economic response by addressing the pandemic's impact on public health, as well as economic harms to households, small businesses, nonprofits, impacted industries, and the public sector. The Town of Trumbull's mission, as demonstrated by this grant, aligns with fostering community well-being and economic recovery in the wake of the pandemic. Target beneficiaries for this grant include Trumbull residents served by eligible programs, services, and capital investments provided by 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations or community-based organizations with a fiscal sponsor. The impact goals are to support public health initiatives related to COVID-19 and to alleviate economic hardships experienced by various sectors of the community due to the pandemic. The program prioritizes projects, programs, and services exclusively within the Town of Trumbull that directly address the COVID-19 public health and economic response. Applicants must have a demonstrable presence in Trumbull and adhere to a 15% indirect cost limit. The focus is on direct support and recovery efforts within the local community. Expected outcomes include improved public health conditions in Trumbull and a more robust economic landscape for households, small businesses, and other affected entities. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided information, the grant's structure suggests an emphasis on quantifiable project expenses and services rendered, with all funds required to be expended by June 30, 2025. The federal reporting guidelines further imply a need for tracking project and expenditure reports for accountability.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Connecticut municipalities and regional entities to develop waste management projects that reduce solid waste and promote environmental sustainability.

The Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC) is offering the Torrington Grant Program, a grant designed to foster the growth of businesses located in Torrington, Connecticut. This initiative aligns with the WBDC's mission to support and empower businesses, particularly by providing crucial financial assistance that can contribute to economic development within the targeted city. The program specifically excludes the use of funds for operating expenses, real estate improvements, reimbursement for past purchases, or debt repayment, emphasizing a focus on growth-oriented investments rather than day-to-day operational costs. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are for-profit businesses situated in Torrington, Connecticut, that meet specific criteria. These businesses must have been in operation for at least two years with a record of sales, demonstrate annual sales/revenue between $25,000 and $2,000,000 in the last twelve months, be registered in Connecticut, and hold a zoning permit from the City of Torrington. Additionally, they must be in good standing with the CT Department of Revenue Services, possess an established business checking account, and utilize a formal digital bookkeeping/financial system. The owner must also be at least 18 years old. The impact goal is to stimulate economic vitality and stability within Torrington by supporting established local businesses. The program prioritizes businesses that are poised for growth and are operating within a structured financial framework. There is a clear focus on financial transparency and stability, as evidenced by the requirement for digital bookkeeping systems and good standing with the Department of Revenue Services. Certain types of businesses are explicitly ineligible, including childcare businesses (though WBDC offers other programs for them), businesses that have previously received a WBDC grant, current WBDC vendors or contractors, and a range of businesses such as medical marijuana, liquor stores, adult businesses, vape/tobacco shops, gambling-related businesses, gun stores, cash advance/pawn shops, and collection agencies. This selectivity ensures that the grants are directed towards businesses that align with the WBDC's strategic vision for community development and ethical business practices. Grants will range from $2,500 to $10,000. The expected outcomes include a measurable increase in the capacity and reach of the recipient businesses, contributing to job creation and sustained economic activity within Torrington. By providing financial resources to qualifying businesses, the WBDC aims to strengthen the local business ecosystem and encourage long-term prosperity. This grant program is a direct manifestation of the WBDC's strategic priority to support local economies through targeted financial aid, operating under the theory of change that direct investment in compliant, established businesses will lead to enhanced economic stability and growth.

The City of West Haven's American Rescue Plan Act Storefront Façade Improvement Grant Program aims to enhance the character and attractiveness of the downtown area and other public shopping and pedestrian areas. This initiative seeks to improve West Haven’s overall aesthetic and vibrancy by preserving or upgrading existing storefront facades, contributing to the economic revitalization and community well-being of the city. While the prompt mentions "foundation mission alignment" and "foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change," the provided text describes a city-run grant program rather than a foundation. Therefore, the alignment is with the city's goal of urban improvement and economic development for its small businesses. The program primarily targets for-profit small businesses located within the City of West Haven, defined as having no more than 50 full-time employees and meeting the criteria of a small business concern as per the Small Business Act. These businesses must be in good standing with the City and the Connecticut Department of Revenue Service, and cannot have received alternate funding for the same intended costs. The grant also has specific eligibility for property owners or businesses with lease terms extending through June 2026 if they lease their space. The impact goals are centered on fostering a more inviting and safer urban environment, encouraging local commerce, and supporting the financial health and longevity of West Haven's small businesses. Key priorities and focuses of the grant program include exterior improvements such as new windows, doors, awnings, painting, attached signage, siding, brick appointing, and exterior lighting. It also covers HVAC installation/upgrades and outdoor dining/patio space (if affixed to the building). The program explicitly excludes work completed prior to agreement execution, new construction, temporary improvements, neon signs, interior improvements, roofs (unless part of a larger project), and the removal of architecturally significant features. This selective approach ensures that funds are directed towards improvements that directly contribute to the facade's visual appeal and the overall streetscape. Expected outcomes of the program include a noticeable improvement in the appearance of storefronts, leading to increased foot traffic and commercial activity in the downtown and other public shopping areas. The addition of safety measures like enhanced lighting is anticipated to create a more secure environment for pedestrians and patrons. By providing financial assistance for these upgrades, the City of West Haven expects to stimulate local economic growth, retain existing businesses, and attract new investments, thereby reinforcing the city's identity as a vibrant and thriving community for its residents and visitors.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Fairfield County to help them address community needs and enhance their impact on local residents.

The Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) Phase 41, created in 1983, aims to supplement and expand the work of local social service agencies to assist individuals facing economic emergencies. Funded through the Department of Homeland Security, EFSP provides federal grants to organizations helping the hungry and homeless. The grants are intended to support feeding, sheltering (including transitional sheltering), and rent/mortgage and utility assistance efforts. Local Recipient Organizations (LROs) are selected by local boards based on the highest need and best use of funds. The program period is from October 1, 2022, to December 31, 2024.

The Connecticut Grown for Connecticut Kids (CTG4CTK) Grant Program is designed to provide financial assistance to various educational and childcare entities within Connecticut to foster the development of farm-to-school programs. Administered by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, this grant aligns with a broader mission to enhance the state's economy, improve child health, and enrich the educational experiences of students through connections with local agriculture. The program's core objective is to build capacity for long-term Farm to School Programs, emphasizing the integration of local foods into child nutrition programs and promoting hands-on learning about nutrition and farm-to-school connections. The target beneficiaries of the CTG4CTK Grant include local or regional boards of education, regional educational service centers, cooperative arrangements, child care centers, group child care homes, family child care homes, and any organization or entity involved in developing farm-to-school programs, including Connecticut farmers. The impact goals are multi-faceted: increasing the availability of local foods in child nutrition programs, enabling educators to use experiential learning to teach about nutrition and agricultural connections, sustaining relationships with local farmers and producers, enriching students' educational experiences, improving the health of children in the state, and boosting the state's economy. The grant program prioritizes applicants located in alliance districts or those providing school readiness programs. Another key focus is to fund applicants who can demonstrate a broad commitment from various stakeholders, including school administrators, school nutrition professionals, educators, and community members. Applicants are specifically requested to detail the support for their projects and how input was gathered during the idea formulation. This emphasis ensures that funded programs have strong community backing and are well-conceived. The CTG4CTK Grant offers several tracks, including Farm to School (K-12) Local Procurement Assistance, Farm to School (K-12) Experiential Learning, Producer Capacity Building, Farm to Early Care and Education (ECE), and a one-time Shipping Container Growing Grant. While the general grant size ranges from $10,000 to $100,000, the maximum award for Tracks 1, 2, and 4 is $75,000, with a higher cap of $250,000 for the Shipping Container Growing grant. The project period for all grants is 24 months. The expected outcomes include a greater integration of local foods, enhanced nutritional education, strengthened local agricultural ties, and overall improvements in child well-being and the state's economic vitality.

The Town of Avon's Support for Community Events Grant Program aims to provide financial aid to local non-profit organizations that sponsor community events. The core purpose is to support local festivals, special events, or community programs designed to offer recreational and cultural opportunities for residents, while also generally promoting the Town of Avon. This aligns with a mission to enrich the quality of life for residents and enhance the town's attractiveness as a place to live and visit. The program seeks to foster community engagement and celebrate the town's heritage through these events. The target beneficiaries are local non-profit organizations that host community events within the Town of Avon, ultimately benefiting the residents who participate in these recreational and cultural activities. The impact goals include promoting the attractiveness of the town, celebrating its heritage, increasing recreational opportunities, and enriching the overall quality of life for its residents. The program focuses on supporting events that contribute to these broader community benefits rather than an applicant's regular operational costs. Priorities for funding include events that specifically highlight the town's appeal as a destination, celebrate its history and its people, expand recreational options, and improve the general well-being of the community. Special consideration is given to grant requests that fund items or services crucial for public health, safety, and welfare during events, such as emergency medical services, refuse collection, portable restrooms, lighting, security, and transportation. This demonstrates a focus on practical support that ensures the success and safety of community gatherings. Expected outcomes include a more vibrant community life through diverse cultural and recreational events, increased town visibility and appeal, and stronger community bonds. The measurable results, though not explicitly detailed as quantitative metrics in the provided text, would likely be assessed through the number and variety of events supported, the reach of those events within the community, and the extent to which they fulfill the stated goals of promoting the town and enriching resident experiences. The program operates under a theory of change where financial support for well-organized, community-focused events directly leads to a more engaged populace and a more desirable town environment. Eligibility criteria further define the program's strategic priorities. Applicants must be IRS tax-exempt under a 501c category, and grants will not be awarded to organizations with a primary political or religious purpose, ensuring a secular and broadly beneficial focus. The event itself must align with the program's goals, not be financially dependent on the grant, and must occur within Avon's limits. Additionally, recipients are required to provide recognition to the Town of Avon as a sponsor, demonstrating a reciprocal relationship and promoting the town's involvement in community enrichment. This strategic framework ensures that funding is directed towards initiatives that genuinely serve the public interest and align with the town's vision for community development.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and public entities in the Berkshire Taconic region to promote and sustain small, community-based agricultural initiatives.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for community-driven projects in East Hartford that promote civic engagement and benefit residents inclusively, with grants ranging from $250 to $5,000 available to eligible nonprofit organizations.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to community-based organizations and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Connecticut that serve Trumbull residents, focusing on projects that address the ongoing public health and economic challenges related to COVID-19.

The Town of Avon offers the Support for Community Events Grant Program to provide financial aid to local festivals, special events, and community programs that deliver recreational or cultural opportunities and promote the town. The program gives special attention to events that enhance the attractiveness of Avon as a place to visit or live, celebrate local heritage, and enrich quality of life. Grant awards are capped at 25 percent of the event budget or 7,500 dollars, whichever is less. The funding window covers events occurring between July 1, 2024 and October 31, 2024. Preference is given to purchases or services that protect public health, safety, and welfare, such as emergency medical services, sanitation, lighting, security, and transportation. Eligible applicants must be tax exempt organizations under a 501(c) category and events must be held within town limits. Events must be free and open to the public, not financially dependent on town support, and not organized as for profit ventures. Funds may not support regular operating costs, and only one grant will be awarded per event. Applications are due May 3, 2024. Additional information is available from the Town of Avon.

This grant provides funding to distressed municipalities and registered non-profits in Connecticut to develop or improve urban green spaces and community gardens for public enjoyment and environmental education.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local nonprofit organizations in Connecticut for innovative programs and urgent needs, with grants ranging from $250 to $10,000.

The Jewett City Savings Bank Foundation is currently accepting grant applications from local 501(c)(3), 170(c)(1), and other qualified non-profit organizations operating in the communities served by Jewett City Savings Bank. Established in 2004, the Foundation's core mission is to support and benefit community, charitable, educational, and other benevolent purposes. This grant program is aligned with the Foundation's strategic objective to invest in the well-being and development of its service areas, fostering a stronger community fabric. The target beneficiaries for these grants are non-profit organizations that deliver essential services within the Jewett City Savings Bank's service footprint. The Foundation's impact goals are focused on addressing critical community needs, as evidenced by its 2023 giving, which prioritized health, social, and emergency services, as well as support for food pantries, libraries, and arts and culture. The Foundation aims to empower these organizations to continue their vital work and expand their reach. The Foundation's priorities and focuses are clearly demonstrated by its past funding patterns. It actively seeks to support initiatives that provide direct community benefits in areas such as health, social welfare, emergency relief, education (through libraries), and cultural enrichment. These areas reflect the Foundation's commitment to a holistic approach to community development, ensuring a broad range of needs are met. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results for individual grants are not detailed in the provided description, the Foundation's overall track record suggests a commitment to tangible impact. In 2023, it provided over 70 grants totaling $96,211, demonstrating a significant investment in local non-profits. Since its inception, the Foundation has donated over $1.2 million, indicating a sustained and substantial commitment to its philanthropic goals. Applicants would likely be expected to articulate their own measurable outcomes in their proposals. The Jewett City Savings Bank Foundation's strategic priorities are centered on community support and benefit, utilizing a theory of change that posits direct financial assistance to established non-profits will result in improved services and a higher quality of life for residents in its service communities. By supporting a diverse range of organizations, from those providing basic necessities like food to those enriching lives through arts and culture, the Foundation aims to contribute to a resilient and thriving local environment.

The Northeast SARE Professional Development Grant program aims to advance sustainable agriculture practices by enhancing the knowledge, awareness, skills, and attitudes of agricultural and other service providers. This directly aligns with the foundation's mission to support sustainable agriculture through education and professional development. The grant focuses on empowering professionals who work with farmers, enabling them to teach, advise, or assist in the adoption of sustainable methods. The program seeks to create a ripple effect, where trained service providers then apply their learned expertise to help farmers improve their agricultural practices, fostering a more sustainable food system within the Northeast region. The primary beneficiaries of this program are agricultural service providers, including those in non-profit organizations, colleges, universities, Cooperative Extension, and other entities that serve the farming community. Additionally, the program extends its reach to other service providers such as real estate agents, bankers, and attorneys, who can indirectly influence farmers. The overarching impact goal is to cultivate a more resilient and sustainable agricultural landscape in the Northeast by equipping these professionals with the necessary tools and knowledge. Expected outcomes include increased adoption of sustainable and climate-smart agricultural practices by farmers, improved ecological and economic resilience to climate change, and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The program prioritizes a wide array of topics, encompassing marketing and business, crop production, raising livestock, aquaculture, social sustainability, urban and Indigenous agriculture, and traditional ecological knowledge. A significant focus is placed on climate-smart agriculture practices, which are intended to improve ecological, social, and economic resilience to climate change. This includes practices such as reduced and no-till farming, cover cropping, prescribed grazing, ruminant feed management, manure management, fertilizer management, and on-farm energy efficiency. The program's strategic priorities are clearly aligned with addressing contemporary agricultural challenges through education and practical application. Northeast SARE actively encourages projects from, or in collaboration with, women, the LGBTQIA+ community, and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). Furthermore, it encourages proposals from Minority Serving Institutions and other organizations in the Northeast that work with historically underserved communities, demonstrating a commitment to equity and inclusivity in agricultural development. The theory of change behind these priorities is that by supporting a diverse range of voices and institutions, the program can foster more innovative and equitable solutions for sustainable agriculture, leading to broader and more effective adoption of sustainable practices across the region. The expected measurable results include an increase in the number of service providers trained in sustainable agriculture, a documented increase in farmers adopting climate-smart practices, and the successful implementation of projects that demonstrate improved ecological, social, and economic resilience. Awards typically range from $30,000 to $150,000, with project lengths usually spanning 2 to 3 years, and a maximum allowed duration of 3.5 years. The program's geographical focus is exclusively on the Northeast region, which includes Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, West Virginia, Vermont, and Washington, D.C., ensuring targeted and localized impact within this specific area.

The Greater Worcester Community Foundation's 2024 Community Grant Program is designed to be responsive and flexible, utilizing trust-based philanthropic principles to support projects in Arts & Creativity, Basic Needs, and Economic Opportunity. This approach aims to reduce applicant burden, foster interactive engagement, and facilitate diverse storytelling, aligning with the Foundation's mission to strengthen the community by investing in critical areas that enhance the quality of life for Worcester County residents. The program seeks to build and support a diverse arts and culture ecosystem, ensure all residents have food and shelter, and create economic opportunities through English Language Learning and Job Training & Financial Literacy programs. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are primarily residents of Worcester County. The Foundation seeks to impact these residents by addressing pressing community needs through creative and innovative solutions. For Arts & Creativity, the goal is to foster a strong and inclusive arts and culture environment. In Basic Needs, the focus is on ensuring fundamental necessities like food and shelter are accessible to all. Economic Opportunity initiatives aim to empower individuals through education and skill-building, ultimately enhancing financial stability and independence within the community. The program's priorities and focus areas are distinctly defined. Arts & Creativity projects are aimed at developing a diverse and strong arts and culture ecosystem where all feel a sense of belonging. Basic Needs initiatives are dedicated to guaranteeing that all community residents have access to food and shelter. Economic Opportunity programs concentrate on English Language Learning, Job Training, and Financial Literacy to uplift individuals and families. The Foundation emphasizes organizational commitment to equity, community voice, and systems disruption, underscoring its strategic priorities to address root causes and promote systemic change. Expected outcomes include projects that demonstrate feasibility within the $2,500-$25,000 grant range, create significant access and barrier reduction for Worcester County residents, and offer creative or innovative solutions to identified community needs. Projects are also expected to have measurable and manageable goals and outcomes aligned with the specified focus areas. The Foundation's theory of change appears to be centered on empowering community-serving organizations that are sound financially and operationally, fostering authentic partnerships, and driving meaningful, unduplicated services to achieve sustainable positive change for Worcester County residents.