Mayor Sanchez Invites Applications for State-Funded Arts and Cultural Organizations Grant Program
New Britain Mayor Bobby Sanchez (D) has announced availability of the 2026 New Britain Arts and Cultural Organizations (NBACO) State-Funded Grant Program.
The City says that the program, made possible through the Connecticut Office of the Arts’ Directed Local Funds Grant, administered by the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, “is designed to support and strengthen New Britain-based arts and cultural organizations, helping them continue to enhance the quality of life in the community while also assisting smaller organizations that may face greater challenges in securing funding.”
Past recipients of the Grant have included the Queen Ann Nzinga Center, Hole in the Wall Theater, New Britain Industrial Museum, Main Street Children’s Choir and the New Britain Museum of American Art.
The City says,
Grant funds may be used for operational expenses, programming, or marketing efforts. Eligible organizations may request up to $3,000, provided the requested amount does not exceed 20% of the organization’s actual revenue from the previous fiscal year.
To be eligible for funding, applicants must:
- Be a New Britain-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose primary mission is arts and/or culture.
- Have an operating budget for the current fiscal year (FY26) approved by the organization’s governing board, or a draft FY27 budget approved by the governing board for newly established organizations.
- Provide a financial statement from the previous fiscal year approved by the organization’s governing board, if applicable.
- Submit a completed application along with all required supporting materials.
The City says that the submission deadline is Monday, May 25, 2026, at 8:00pm, adding that, “Both new applicants and previous grant recipients are encouraged to apply. … and the City hopes every eligible arts and cultural organization in New Britain will take advantage of this funding opportunity.”
“Organizations that are not based in New Britain,” the City adds, “whose primary mission is not arts or culture, government entities, schools, individual artists, and performances or festivals not affiliated with a New Britain-based arts organization are not eligible to apply.”
“For additional information on how to apply, eligibility requirements, or application materials,” the City says, “please visit the Mayor’s Office page on newbritainct.gov or contact the Mayor’s Office at mayorsoffice@newbritainct.gov.”
