Best Grants for the Arts in Connecticut

Connecticut 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking one-time capital support for arts and culture, education, or human services facilities can apply for American Savings Foundation’s ASF Capital Grants, with awards up to US $10,000. With a mission to improve quality of life, the foundation prioritizes projects essential to direct services, especially in New Britain and Waterbury.

Connecticut 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking general operating or program support in the arts can access funding through the Cornelia T Bailey Charitable Trust. Eligible projects include visual and performing arts that give students and children quality arts experiences, provided they align with the foundation’s broader mission and service regions.

The F. D. Rich Foundation Grants support charitable organizations in lower Fairfield County, Connecticut, focusing on arts, education, healthcare, and social services. Established under section 509(A) of the Internal Revenue Code, the foundation has contributed over $8 million to various non-profits since its inception. This funding aims to improve the quality of life for residents in the Stamford area and enhance community well-being through diverse initiatives.

Connecticut 501(c)(3) organizations running arts and creative writing programs can receive up to US $25,000 to support workshops, clubs, curricula, and other writing initiatives. Cornelia T Bailey Charitable Trust funds programs in any writing genre that build skills, provide safe, inspiring spaces, and foster clear, persuasive written communication and expression.

Accredited 501(c)(3) organizations in Connecticut that integrate visual and/or performing arts into education programs can seek up to US $25,000 to revitalize learning and motivate students. Cornelia T Bailey Charitable Tr supports arts-based initiatives that enhance curricula, empower educators, and address inequities in preschool, K–12, and youth arts education.

Nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations and eligible schools or government agencies serving Northwest Connecticut can receive up to US $5,000 for arts and culture, civic, education, environment, health, or social services projects. Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation provides small and traditional Cycle Grants for programs benefiting residents of its 20-town service area, including innovative, collaborative arts initiatives.

Connecticut arts and culture nonprofits, including 501(c)(3) museums and cultural organizations, can access funding through Washington Trust Charitable Foundation for capital projects, campaigns, or specific programs. Eligible organizations must be within the funder’s market area, with priority for projects that directly benefit local communities and may also involve youth, families, education, or conservation themes.

Connecticut arts and culture nonprofits, 501(c)(3) organizations, academic institutions, and government entities can access funding through the William G Pomeroy Foundation to install Legends & Lore markers celebrating local folktales, legends, and folklife. Projects that highlight community stories, traditions, and expressive arts as part of cultural heritage may be especially competitive.

Connecticut arts and culture nonprofits, especially those serving Norwalk in Fairfield County, can access funding through the Everett S. Bulkley Jr. Trust to support charitable programming. Organizations working in areas like community development, education, health, human services, environment, and religious activities may also be eligible if they serve this geographic focus.

Eligible Connecticut local governments and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Iroquois pipeline host communities can seek US $2,500 - US $10,000 for environmental initiatives, passive recreation, historic preservation, and targeted arts and culture projects. Focused on long-term community benefit, Iroquois Gas Transmission System favors shovel-ready projects with strong plans, clear outcomes, and visible community involvement.

Connecticut arts and culture nonprofits serving New London residents can seek funding for educational, cultural, human services, and health programming for underserved populations. Frank Loomis Palmer Fund supports one-year projects, with occasional multi-year awards, across arts, culture, education, health, and human services for organizations focused on the New London, Connecticut community.

501(c)(3) and other charitable organizations providing literacy or STEAM education can apply for Stocker Foundation grants supporting foundational reading, writing, and cross-disciplinary, project-based learning. Connecticut applicants must serve Hartford County residents, and arts-focused programs that integrate STEAM or support student engagement and success may be eligible.

The Marjorie Moore Charitable Foundation Grant supports charitable projects in Kensington, Connecticut, focusing on education, arts, environmental, and health services for underserved populations. Established in 1957, it prioritizes organizations classified as 501(c)(3) charities, providing one-year grants with potential multi-year support for capital projects. Preference is given to those delivering human services or health care programming, ensuring impactful community development and support for local needs.

New England 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, tribal governments, and public agencies presenting performing arts in Connecticut can apply for New England Foundation for the Arts’ NEST grants, awarding up to US $15,000 for artist fees and touring projects. Funding supports public performances, readings, screenings, and community engagement with regional, national, or international artists.

Connecticut nonprofit arts organizations can receive unrestricted funding for programming, operations, equipment, or endowment-building via the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development’s Arts Endowment Fund, with awards up to US $1,000,000. Eligible groups must be Connecticut-based 501(c)(3)s focused on arts activities and have raised over $15,000 in private donor contributions for two consecutive fiscal years.

The Meserve Memorial Fund, established in 1983, is a private foundation that supports impactful public, charitable, and educational projects in the Greater Danbury area of Connecticut. It prioritizes organizations that demonstrate measurable benefits and enhance service capacity. Eligible projects include those in arts, education, environment, and health, with a focus on 501(c)(3) organizations serving specific towns. The fund does not support individual grants or projects primarily benefiting religious groups.

Connecticut 501(c)(3) arts and culture nonprofits can seek project support for education, community vitality, and related programs. With a mission to strengthen communities, Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation provides grants of US $1,000 - US $15,000 to organizations in its Connecticut service area, with two online application cycles each year.

Connecticut 501(c)(3) arts and culture organizations can seek funding for programs that advance religious, educational, charitable, or scientific purposes. The David, Helen, and Marian Woodward Fund provides grants to nonprofits in New York and New England, with historical preference for Connecticut, supporting arts, culture, humanities, environment, health, human services, public benefit, and religion projects.

Connecticut 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering youth STEAM education programs can receive US $5,000 - US $12,000 in Cox Charities Community Grants from Cox Communications. Funding supports youth innovation in science, technology, engineering, arts and math, along with conservation, sustainability, and inclusion initiatives in eligible Cox service areas, including parts of Connecticut.

The Branford Community Foundation (BCF) is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Branford, Connecticut, by funding organizations and projects in key focus areas such as basic needs, health, education, arts, environment, and youth services. Grants are awarded to 501(c)(3) nonprofits and governmental agencies that demonstrate a positive impact. BCF prioritizes initiatives addressing food insecurity, mental health, and community joy, while fostering collaboration and capacity building among local organizations.

The CCF: Arts and Culture Grants aim to enhance access to creative arts programs while addressing disparities in the arts. By supporting initiatives led by BIPOC artists, the program fosters community engagement through participatory arts, collaboration, and advocacy for underrepresented groups. The Connecticut Community Foundation encourages applications from nonprofit organizations that create impactful cultural experiences, promote economic development, and nurture a diverse, inclusive arts sector, ultimately enriching the community's cultural landscape.

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Connecticut counties served by NBC and Telemundo stations can apply for Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation’s Local Impact Grants to support youth education, storytelling, and community engagement programs. Arts and culture organizations working with underrepresented youth, including in media, news, sports, and entertainment pathways, may be competitive applicants.

Connecticut arts and culture nonprofits can access funding through Chelsea Groton Foundation to support programs benefiting communities primarily in New London County and nearby areas, with awards up to US $10,000. Eligible 501(c) organizations and certain government units working in arts and culture, youth activities, education, or related community programs may apply.

Connecticut 501(c)(3) libraries, educational institutions, hospitals, and clinics can access funding through Gladys Brooks Foundation for endowments, capital construction, and major equipment needs. Grants of US $50,000 - US $150,000 support innovative projects, and arts-focused organizations may qualify if they operate eligible libraries or educational or health programs within these categories.

Arts and culture nonprofits serving underserved residents in New Haven, Connecticut can seek one-year program funding for educational, cultural, human services, and health care initiatives. With a mission to support quality programming, Anna Fitch Ardenghi Trust gives special preference to charitable organizations focused on the arts or youth-related activities based in New Haven.

Nonprofit organizations in Connecticut working on arts, culture, social justice, women’s rights, environmental issues, or grassroots advocacy can apply for support from Bydale Foundation. The foundation funds programs including performing arts and poetry, and may be a fit for arts-focused groups that also advance human rights or community advocacy.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and municipalities in Connecticut can seek funding for arts, culture, education, health, housing, and human services programs benefiting residents of Hartford, Tolland, and Windham Counties. SBM Charitable Foundation supports theater, music, and art initiatives, including cultural events that broaden arts access and enrich community life east of the river.