Evelyn W. Preston Memorial Fund Grant

Evelyn W. Preston Memorial Fund Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Evelyn W. Preston Memorial Fund
Last Updated: January 17, 2026

Summary

The Evelyn W. Preston Memorial Fund Grant supports music concerts in Hartford's public spaces during the summer months. Established in 1978, it is open to nonprofit organizations, including arts groups and cultural centers. Eligible projects must feature at least two instruments and be accessible to the general public. The fund emphasizes community engagement and artistic collaboration, aiming to enrich the cultural landscape of Hartford while ensuring concerts are free for all attendees.

Overview

Mission The Evelyn W. Preston Memorial Fund was established in 1978 under the will of Miss Evelyn Wallace Preston. The Evelyn W. Preston Memorial Fund provides grants for music concerts during the months of June, July, August, and September in parks and other public places for the general public in the City of Hartford. Guidelines Applications will be accepted from nonprofit organizations such as arts organizations, social service agencies, senior centers, faith-based organizations, folk societies and cultural centers and colleges/universities. The Fund program will consider applications from individual artists working in partnership with a nonprofit organization or church serving as their fiscal sponsor.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Applicants must meet the following criteria to apply: Organizations must have an IRS Tax Determination letter 501(c)(3) Concerts to be held for the general public in the City of Hartford parks, or other appropriate open spaces or public locations2 or more instruments must be played to be considered a music concert Applications will be accepted for recurring or new projects.

Ineligibility

Under this program funding is not available for: Individual artists or groupsFor-profit organizations or promotersChoral groups without 2 or more instrumentsPublic school districts, affiliates or components exclusively serving student audiences such as in-school and after-school programsOrganizations requesting support for in-school arts-in-education programsCity of Hartford agencies and departmentsAny organization previously funded with outstanding final reports to the Preston FundCultural activities restricted to an organization’s membership; eligible projects must be promoted, and remain available to the general publicProposals from educational, health or welfare institutions unless they can demonstrate a history of providing arts projectsArts projects that are solely socio-economic, recreational, rehabilitative or therapeutic in naturePurchase of equipment, fundraising events; or non-project-related administrative expensesGeneral operating supportHumanities projectsParadesProjects must have a culminating event that is promoted, and available, to the general public of the City of HartfordNo solicitation of financial donations may be made during a Preston-funded performance for any reasonWe typically do not provide support for start-up nonprofits or programs that are not yet established