Connecticut Arts Endowment Fund Grant

The Connecticut Arts Endowment Fund Grant supports nonprofit arts organizations in Connecticut by providing unrestricted funding to enhance their operations. Organizations eligible for funding must demonstrate significant donor contributions and maintain compliance with state regulations. The grant incentivizes fundraising efforts by matching contributions based on a formula, ensuring that arts initiatives receive the necessary financial backing to thrive. This program aims to cultivate long-term sustainability within Connecticut's arts sector.

Overview
The Connecticut Arts Endowment Fund (CAEF) was established by the Connecticut General Assembly to stimulate the development of private sector funding and to ensure the long-term stability of Connecticut’s arts industry by providing funding to organizations. The Fund is managed by the Office of the State Treasurer and the program is administered by the Connecticut Office of the Arts (COA).
Interest earned on the Fund's principal is distributed annually to arts organizations that qualify by raising more than $15,000 in donor contributions* for two (2) consecutive fiscal years. *Donor contributions are from a non-governmental source such as a private-sector organization, foundation, corporation, partnership, single proprietorship, association or an individual person making a contribution to an arts organization.
CAEF grants are “unrestricted,” that is, organizations may apply funds toward program­ming, administrative or operational costs, capital projects, equipment purchase, or to build their own endowments.
Funding Formula
Applicants do not specify a grant request amount. Grant awards are calculated solely on the following formula:
Year 1 "Prior Fiscal Year": For the portion of donor contributions which is equal to $15,000 or more but does not exceed the total donor contributions for the prior fiscal year, there shall be a match of 25% of such amount, capped at $250,000.
Year 2 "Most Recent Fiscal Year": For the portion of the total donor contributions that exceeds the total donor contributions for the prior fiscal year, there shall be a match of 100%, capped at $1 million.
If the total amount of grants to be paid exceeds the investment earnings of the Arts Endowment Fund, all grants shall be reduced on a pro rata basis.

Eligibility

This grant is for Connecticut arts organizations. These organizations:Are a nonprofit organization with 501(c)3 tax exempt status from the Internal Revenue Services
Are a Connecticut-based organization with its primary place of business and operations in Connecticut
Are registered to do business with the Connecticut Secretary of the State and are in good standing (up-to-date on filing requirements)
Have an active Connecticut Charity Registration with the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection
Have a core mission, vision, focus, and legal purpose stated in their articles of incorporation and bylaws that they are committed to creating, performing, presenting, or promoting artistic activities
And at least 51% of their annual fiscal expenditures are allocated specifically to support arts-based initiatives.
Additional Criteria:
Have raised more than $15,000 in donor contributions from private-sector non-governmental sources* for the organization's two most recently completed fiscal yearsHave filed, prior to the application due date, an IRS Form 990 or IRS Form 990-EZ that substantiates total donor contributions
The grant award can be used for expenses that are general operating expenses, including but not limited to:

• Staff salaries
• Payments to contracted artistic, technical, or administrative professionals
• Production, travel, telephone, shipping, and postage costs
• Space rental and occupancy costs (maintenance, security, insurance, utilities, etc.)
• Printing, advertising, and marketing costs
• Evaluation services and documentation (photo, video, audio, collection of statistical information, etc.)

Travel and conference registration expenses for staff and/or volunteers to attend local, regional or national relevant industry conferences, workshops, retreats, clinics, etc.

Ineligibility

Grant funds cannot be used for:Expenses incurred outside of the funding periodBrick and mortar or capital improvements/constructionElimination or reduction of existing debtBenefits, fund-raisers and social eventsScholarship assistance for academic or non-academic programsPolitical contributionsLobbying activitiesLegal feesReligious programming, activities or paraphernalia