Best Grants for Visual Artists in Connecticut

Nonprofit organizations in Connecticut focusing on children, education, or health and human services can apply for monetary support from Costco Foundation. Eligible 501(c)(3) groups, including those running arts or visual arts programs that serve children or families, may receive program funding based on demonstrated community need, measurable outcomes, collaboration, and a broad base of financial support.

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

Early-stage, impact-first nonprofits and mission-driven startups in Connecticut tackling social or environmental challenges can access funding and support through Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation. The foundation provides up to US $300,000 over three years plus intensive capacity-building and community connections for scalable ventures serving underserved populations, including those working in visual arts–related social impact models.

Nonprofit and NGO programs using technology for crisis response, education access, economic empowerment, or climate resilience, including those serving Connecticut, can access funding through Cisco Systems Foundation’s Global Impact Cash Grants. Eligible organizations must primarily serve economically underserved communities, keep overhead at or below 25%, and submit a letter of inquiry before a full application for awards up to US $100,000.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits with audited expenses over $2 million that provide direct social services can access funding to address chronic poverty and strengthen families, including in Connecticut. Grants from William Randolph Hearst Foundation support program, capital, and general operating needs for scalable efforts like housing, food access, job training, legal aid, reentry, and youth development.

Connecticut nonprofits and other eligible charitable organizations can seek funding for health, education, or community initiatives that expand equitable care and learning opportunities. Focused on community health and welfare, the Labcorp Charitable Foundation supports programs such as food pantries, healthcare for underserved populations, STEM education, and healthy lifestyle research and screening, which may benefit arts organizations with related outreach.

Organizations in Connecticut working on education, children’s health, or family economic stability for urban low-income youth can apply for Michael & Susan Dell Foundation grants; awards more than US $50,000 for project support or scaling. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, social enterprises, schools, governments, and other qualified entities operating in the U.S.

Accredited 501(c)(3) organizations integrating visual and/or performing arts education into their programs in Connecticut can seek up to US $25,000 to enhance arts-based learning. Cornelia T Bailey Charitable Trust’s P/Arts Program funds initiatives that revitalize curricula, motivate students, empower educators, and address educational inequities through evidence-based arts instruction.

Visual arts nonprofits and accredited charities in Connecticut can seek support for innovative cultural projects, including contemporary and media arts. Grants from Roche help organizations working in humanitarian, educational, community, environmental, and arts and culture initiatives worldwide, and local affiliate offices fund programs based and operating within the same country as the affiliate.

Nonprofit and humanitarian organizations providing health, education, or disaster relief services can access funding through Semnani Family Foundation for work in Connecticut as part of its U.S. focus and global portfolio. Programs serving marginalized or vulnerable communities, including women, children, and people facing hunger, homelessness, or violence, may be eligible across its listed countries.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits conducting charitable, educational, scientific, or medical work can apply for support from the Sidney Stern Memorial Trust; funded activities must occur within the U.S. With a mission to strengthen broadly focused service organizations, Sidney Stern Memorial Trust provides Connecticut nonprofits, including those with visual arts programming, with project or program support that benefits the general welfare.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Connecticut working on community development, basic needs, workforce education, arts, environment, or inclusion can apply for Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s sponsorship support. Funding may benefit visual arts nonprofits whose programs advance neighborhood preservation, cultural vitality, or economic mobility through exhibitions, events, or arts-based community initiatives.

The Cowles Charitable Trust Grant supports initiatives aligned with the philanthropic legacy of Gardner Cowles, Jr. Focused on education, social justice, health, and the arts, it favors organizations recognized as 501(c)(3) by the IRS. The Trust encourages applications for general operating support and seeks partnerships rather than being the sole funder. Notably, it considers applications from established partners and supports efforts in Downstate New York and South Florida, with a preference for diverse funding sources.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting arts and culture, children, education, animals, environment, or humanitarian needs in Connecticut and beyond can apply for Hansen Family Foundation grants of US $1,000 - US $10,000. Smaller organizations with budgets under $1 million and overhead below 25% may benefit, including those offering visual arts programming.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits and aligned for-profit organizations can receive support to create storytelling projects that highlight the impact of their work. The Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation’s Storytelling Grant funds organizations working in preservation, education, or wellness, which may include Connecticut visual arts groups whose missions fit these pillars.

501(c)(3) arts organizations in Connecticut creating new visual or performing work with Greater Hartford–area artists can apply for collaborative project support. Focused on community arts, Edward C. and Ann T. Roberts Foundation invites projects, especially those by artists of color, that result in new work exhibited locally and, in 2025, celebrate America 250 by July 2026.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

Connecticut 501(c)(3) public charities, public schools, and libraries can access funding for environmental, human services, disaster relief, or other community programs, including visual arts initiatives. The Lawrence Foundation offers unrestricted program or operating grants typically ranging from US $5,000 - US $10,000, with no geographic restrictions and reasonable indirect costs allowed.

Nonprofit organizations in Connecticut seeking support for museums, cultural programs, or performing and visual arts can apply for funding from the Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation, with awards typically ranging from US $1,000 - US $20,000. With a mission to help smaller projects, the foundation also supports education, youth, seniors, disabilities, environment, wildlife, and community-based programs.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on basic needs, community development, or volunteer-driven programs, including those serving Connecticut, can apply for Ameriprise Financial’s community grants to support ongoing services and measurable outcomes. Organizations addressing hunger, shelter, adult self-sufficiency, cultural enrichment, or neighborhood economic vitality may be eligible, with priority where Ameriprise employees and advisors actively volunteer.

Connecticut 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking program support in education, social services, health care, civic and cultural initiatives, or environmental projects can apply for grants of US $5,000 - US $25,000. Grants from Dr Scholl Foundation help organizations with at least three years of financial activity that may include visual arts or cultural programming within these broad areas.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, municipal entities, or groups with a fiscal sponsor in Connecticut can receive funding for arts and culture programs that expand equitable, culturally responsive access, especially those led by BIPOC artists. Connecticut Community Foundation supports participatory arts, artist development, and community arts efforts, which may benefit visual arts organizations and projects in the state.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing community-focused services such as economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, or disaster relief may be eligible for funding, including organizations in Connecticut. O'Reilly Automotive Foundation offers project, general operating, and capital support grants for programs improving quality of life for underserved and underrepresented people.

Nonprofit organizations nationwide that lead strong, replicable community collaborations can apply for Mutual of America Foundation’s Community Partnership Award, honoring cross-sector initiatives addressing critical social challenges. Connecticut visual arts nonprofits with impactful, partnership-driven programs may qualify for this prestigious recognition, which highlights scalable models and elevates innovative, community-centered solutions.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.