Supporting Arts Grant Program

Supporting Arts Grant Program

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: CT Office of the Arts- Department of Economic and Community Development
Amount: More than US $1,000
Last Updated: October 16, 2025

Summary

The Supporting Arts Grant Program, administered by the CT Office of the Arts, provides essential funding to arts organizations and municipal arts departments in Connecticut. This grant aims to support programmatic costs that align with the organizations' core missions. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organizations and municipal arts departments with specific operational requirements. By applying, organizations must adhere to federal terms and conditions set forth by the National Endowment for the Arts.

Overview

What is the Supporting Arts Grant? The Supporting Arts grant program provides funding to arts organizations and municipal arts departments to support programmatic costs associated with mission-related work. The Connecticut Office of the Arts (COA) grants funds received from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and must follow federal terms and conditions. The Supporting Arts program is funded, in part, by funds received from the NEA.  If your organization accepts an award from the Supporting Arts program, you will be agreeing to these terms and conditions and certifying that you will remain in compliance. The Terms and Conditions can be found HERE.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Arts organizations and municipal arts departments can apply for this grant.Arts organizations-Your organization is eligible if it is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit that:Has the arts explicitly stated as a center part of its core mission, vision, focus, and legal purpose, andHas at least 51 percent of its annual expenditures allocated specifically to support arts activities, programming, or performances, andCreates, performs, presents, or promotes arts activities, programs or services to the general public. The arts include, but are not limited to, music, theater, dance, painting, sculpture, literature, films, and allied arts and crafts.Your organization must also: Have minimum annual operating expenses of $5,000 Have documentation of income and expenses for the organization's last completed fiscal yearBe registered with the CT Secretary of the State to do business in Connecticut as a legal business entity and be in good standingHave Connecticut as its primary place of business and operationsHave an active Charitable Solicitation Registration with the CT Department of Consumer ProtectionHave a public profile on CreativeGround  See here for detailed instructions: Updating or Creating a Profile Identify a designated ADA Accessibility Coordinator at time of applicationHave a recently completed ADA Self-evaluation for upload during application process OR complete the ADA Self-Evaluation provided in the portal.  The ADA Self-Evaluation is not due at the time of application; however, grants funds will not be disbursed to an organization that does not fulfill the ADA Self-Evaluation requirement.Your municipal arts department is eligible if it’s a Connecticut municipal government entity, such as a Commission on the Arts, Department of Cultural Affairs, or other specifically designated office or entity, that has:An official designation to conduct and/or support arts programming and/or services for the residents of the municipalityA dedicated allocation in the municipal budget for arts and cultural support, artistic programming, and/or servicesAt least one (1) individual, employed by the municipality, who is responsible for the fiscal management and oversight of the arts budget, including the municipal allocation and outside funding sources (i.e. grants, private contributions)Minimum annual operating expenses of $1,000A council/committee of residents assigned to and responsible for conducting arts programming and/or servicesHave a public profile on CreativeGround  See here for detailed instructions: Updating or Creating a Profile Identify a designated ADA Accessibility Coordinator at time of applicationHave a recently completed ADA Self-evaluation for upload during application process OR complete the ADA Self-Evaluation provided in the portal.  The ADA Self-Evaluation is not due at the time of application; however, grants funds will not be disbursed to an organization that does not fulfill the ADA Self-Evaluation requirement.

Ineligibility

Which organizations are NOT eligible?Organizations with a fiscal sponsor. An arts organization must have its own 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status to apply for a Supporting Arts grant.Organizations that receive directed local funds (a.k.a., line items) in the State BudgetOrganizations allocated legislatively directed funds in the State BudgetCT Office of the Arts Designated Regional Service OrganizationsWhich organizations MAY NOT be eligible?The Connecticut Office of the Arts (COA) grants funds received from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and must follow federal terms and conditions. The Supporting Arts program is funded, in part, by funds received from the NEA.  If your organization accepts an award from the Supporting Arts program, you will be agreeing to these terms and conditions and certifying that you will remain in compliance.