Grant Information

GENERAL INFORMATION

The Middletown Commission on the Arts welcomes grant applications for programs and/or projects that enrich the lives of Middletown residents through arts and cultural related activities and programs. It shall be the policy of the MCA to encourage and stimulate artistic and cultural creativity within the community. The intent of the Municipal Arts Grant Awards is to provide eligible applicants support for arts and cultural projects, events and activities that benefit Middletown residents.  

TYPES OF GRANTS & SCHEDULE

The Arts & Culture Office/MCA’s Arts Engagement Grant season will award $74,000 (14 GRANTS) of its FY26 appropriated funding towards special performances, events and activities commemorating the 250th. Areas of consideration and award amounts are as follow: Community/Teaching, Choreography/Dance, Cultural/Traditional Arts, Design, Digital Media/Film, Literary Arts, Music, Theater/Playwriting, and Visual Arts. Funding restrictions are limited to one (1) grant award per 12-month period.

Semiquincentennial ARTS ENGAGEMENT GRANT PROGRAM GUIDELINES & APPLICATION

The intent of the Semiquincentennial Arts Engagement Grant is to connect and educate Middletown residents with the nation’s celebration of its 250th - taking place in 2026.  Middletown nonprofits and individuals are invited to submit grant applications to the Middletown Commission on the Arts (MCA) for projects and special events that commemorate the 250th. 

DEADLINES TO APPLY

• Deadline 1: February 13, 2026 for projects after mid-March 2026

• Deadline 2: March 13, 2026  for projects after mid-April 2026

• Deadline 3: April 10, 2026   for projects after mid-May 2026

APPLICATIONS

• Guidelines and Application A - $1,500 
  • Digital Version for Application A
• Guidelines and Application B - $5,500
  • Digital Version for Application B 

RESOURCES 

1. Federal Initiatives 
   • AMERICA 250
2. State of Connecticut Initiatives
   • America 250 | CT Commission
   • America250 Planning Guide
     • Tell Inclusive Stories
     • Power of Place
     • Doing History
     • For the Common Good

ELIGIBILITY:

The proposed project is restricted to City of Middletown tax payers. 

•    Individual artists with residence in Middletown, CT

•    Arts- related storefront businesses in Middletown, CT 

•    Middletown Nonprofit organizations (503 c3 status) in Middletown, CT

CRITERIA

The proposed project must have an artistic and cultural focus and adhere to the following:

•    Must take place in Middletown

•    Must be theme-based, commemorating the 250th

•    Must provide engagement with all ages

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FAQ's for MCA Grants - Open Link

NOTIFICATIONS 

Notification of the application going live will be made available on the Arts Office social media page https://www.facebook.com/CityArtsOffice/ and email distribution. To join the email distribution list, visit this link provided to sign up under the title for Arts Communication. 

Questions: Contact the City of Middletown Arts & Culture Office at 860-638-4510, or email arts@mddletownct.gov