Connecticut Arts Endowment Fund (CAEF)

Who Can Apply

An applicant must be a Connecticut Arts Organization that meets the definition below.  

An arts organization is defined as an organization whose core mission, vision, focus and legal purpose, as stated in its Articles of Incorporation and bylaws, articulate a commitment to create, perform, present or promote artistic activities* AND at least 51 percent of its annual fiscal expenditures are allocated specifically to support artistic activities, arts programs/services and arts-based initiatives.

Additional criteria:

  • Raised more than $15,000 in donor contributions from private-sector, non-governmental sources* for two (2) consecutive fiscal years, one of which is the organization's most recently completed fiscal year
  • Filed, prior to the application due date, an IRS Form 990 or IRS Form 990-EZ that substantiates total donor contributions
  • Have tax-exempt status under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code
  • Be a Connecticut-based organization with its primary place of business and operations in Connecticut
  • Be registered to do business with the Connecticut Secretary of the State and be "In Good Standing" (up-to-date on filing requirements)
  • Have an active Connecticut Charity Registration with the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection

* A non-governmental source is a private-sector organization, foundation, corporation, partnership, single proprietorship or association or person making a contribution to an arts organization.

First-time (New) Applicants

A first-time (new) applicant to the Connecticut Arts Endowment Fund must confirm eligibility as an arts organization before applying.  Send a copy of the organization's Bylaws, Articles of Incorporation and IRS determination letter to the program's manager Rhonda Olisky at rhonda.olisky@ct.gov.

 

Program Guidelines:

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