CT Culture Lab

• Be based in the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving service area 

• Be incorporated in the state of Connecticut as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization governed by a board of directors that meets regularly OR be a city or municipality in the state of Connecticut OR be a Connecticut-based federally or State recognized tribe 

• Provide arts, culture, and history programming and/or services to the public  

*Fiscal sponsors are permitted for organizations who do not have their own 501c3 status. Capacity-building funds will be paid to the fiscal sponsors, who will be responsible for the management of grant funds. Fiscal sponsors must be located in CT. 

The following are not eligible for funding: 

• For-profit organizations 

• Individuals 

• Agencies of the state of Connecticut, including state universities, state parks and historic sites 

• Organizations not in compliance with terms and conditions of previous Connecticut Humanities grants 

• Organizations not in compliance with terms and conditions of previous HFPG grants 

For more information about eligibility, view the Guidelines below.

Please read the CT Culture Lab Program Guidelines before applying as they outline eligibility requirements, exclusions for use of funds, and more.

CT Humanities (CTH) gives priority to participating organizations that include a desire to offer public arts & humanities focus and content; explore topics and stories in an inclusive, diverse, and equitable manner; and do one or more of the following: 

• Build sustainable organizational structures and contribute to long term cultural vibrancy in CT. 

• Demonstrate an interest in ingenuity and innovation through creative solutions.  

• Foster collaboration among organizations, groups, and communities.  

Please note that priority will be given to nonprofit or fiscally sponsored organizations whose operating budgets are under $1 million and who did not receive 2025 Arts and Culture Appreciation Grants from HFPG. If an organization’s operating budget exceeds $1 million or they received an Appreciation Grant, they may apply and explain why they are a good fit for the program within the application. 

If your capacity growth goals involve interpreting Indigenous history or cultures, please also note CT Humanities’ Indigenous Values Statement and accompanying resources here.

Does the same person need to participate the whole time throughout the two year cohort?

We do ask for a lead participant to be named in the application, however if staff turnover or calendar conflicts become a challenge, you can switch. There will be sessions open to multiple team members to attend.

Are matching funds required?

Unlike our usual grant lines this is a pilot program with accompanying stipends. Matching funds are not required. Please see guidelines for spending exclusions

When are stipends paid to participating organizations?

Stipends will be paid following the completion of the requirements in the first trimester including attendance to orientation, intensive 1, montly coaching sessions for goal setting, and organizational assessment. Stipends are paid via Bill.com

How many organizations can participate? Is there a budget floor?

We are looking for 10-12 arts, culture, or history organizations in the HFPG service area. There is no minimum budget requirement to apply.

When will we know who is in the cohort so we can begin to collaborate?

Notifications will be sent in mid March for organizations to accept or decline. Everyone will meet during the kickoff zoom at the end of March. If you have general ideas about collaborative work you want to do or know of another org submitting an application that you’d like to partner with if accepted, add those details to your application too!