Arts Funding

Named in honor of Elizabeth L. Mahaffey, a well-respected and loved former staff member of the Connecticut Office of the Arts (COA), who was an extraordinary mentor to young professionals pursuing arts administration careers.

This fellowship assists in the pursuit of professional development opportunities that will help advance careers in arts administration. These administrators are responsible for business operations of an arts organization, such as staff managment, public relations, marketing, budget/fiscal management, board development, fundraising, and program development.

Applicants may request up to $2,500. There is no predetermined number of fellowships rewarded: Although there is no predetermined amount of fellowships distributed, the COA usually only distributes 2 - 3 fellowships per year.

Application Deadline: Monday, March 9, at 11:59 pm

The Connecticut Arts Foundation is now accepting applications for the Spring 2026 Grant.  

This season, they are planning to award one grant of $75,000.00 to an artist who works primarily as a painter. These funds can be used to support CT artists' professional development, materials, and studio space.

Eligibility:

• Must be 18 years or older as of January 1, 2026.
• Have been a full-time resident of CT for the last two years.
• Must apply as an individual, no collaborations or organizations. 
• Is not a full-time in a degree program.
• Is not a CT Arts Foundation Employee.

Artwork Specifications:

• Medium: Must be predominantly oil, tempera, or acrylic, on canvas stretcher or board. Other materials may be part of the work, but it must be primarily painting.
• Exclusions: No watercolors, pastels, or works on paper.
• Multi-part works: Up to three parts are accepted as a single entry.

Application Deadline: Thursday, April 30, at 10 pm EST.

The Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which was established by Governor Lamont in 2021, provides financial assistance for infrastructure improvements to 501(c)(3) organizations that are at a heightened risk of being the target of a terrorist attack, hate crime, or violent act. It is administered by the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection’s Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS).

Full press release can be viewed at: https://officeofthegovernor.cmail20.com/t/j-e-siuwhk-tkiulrkihh-r/

The CT Humanities Quick Grants are small implementation grants of up to $4,999 that support small-scale humanities activities such as discussion-based public programs, exhibitions, and tours.

Successful Proposals Must Be:

• Open to the general public
• Free or low cost to attend
• Clearly interpretive and based in the humanities.

To apply for a Quick Grant, your organization must be one of the following:

• A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization incorporated in the state of Connecticut for at least one year and governed by a board of directors that meets regularly
• A municipality in the state of Connecticut
• A Connecticut-based federally or State recognized tribe

Application Deadlines for FY25-25:

Wednesday, April 1, 2026

Monday, June 1, 2026

provides funds for presenters to travel and research artistic works that may be brought to New England. 

Deadline: Rolling

Microsoft Tech for Social Impact  offers grants and discounts for their products and services to eligible nonprofits, including solutions like Azure, Dynamics 365, and Microsoft 365.