Excellence In the Arts

Grant Guidelines

Visual Artist Compensation Policy

Application Procedures

Application Form

Reporting Requirements

Grants Awarded

Why the Arts?

From its Gilded Age to present day, Hartford’s arts community has created a quality of life that resonates throughout the Capitol Region. Ned and Sunny Roberts recognized how important the arts are to maintaining the vitality of their beloved city, and 60 years ago created a foundation that would ensure Hartford’s rich cultural heritage thrived for generations.

Today the foundation is unique in its commitment to support the arts for arts’ sake, and to achieve this mission, the organization seeks to fund exceptional aesthetic experiences that reflect, celebrate and elevate the human spirit.

Grant Guidelines

For first time applicants, the executive director may wish to schedule a site visit.

For particularly large requests ($25,000 or more), it is recommended that the initial contact be made well in advance of the application. In these cases, a short (one to two page) project description may be requested prior to submission of a full application.

A post grant report for your most recent Roberts Foundation grant must be on file before we will consider another proposal. If you have not sent in your final report, you may submit it as an attachment to your application.

Geographic Area Served

In regard to Excellence in the Arts grants, the foundation limits funding to organizations located in Hartford County, and gives priority to arts nonprofits in the following cities and towns:

Hartford, Bloomfield, East Hartford, Farmington, New Britain, Newington, South Windsor, West Hartford, Wethersfield, Windsor

Organizations located in towns contiguous to these may be considered, but are advised to discuss their application with the executive director prior to submission.

Eligibility

  • Only organizations that are exempt from Federal income tax under provision 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code may apply
  • Organizations are limited to one application per calendar year unless advised differently by executive director 
  • The foundation must have received a final report on any previous grant before a new request will be considered
  • After several successive years of grants, an organization may be requested to take a year off

What will not be funded

  • Requests for endowment, general operating, scholarships, or requests from individuals
  • Projects that have already occurred or are underway at the time the board considers the application (see below for meeting dates)
  • Events or activities that will occur within 90 days of the application due date
  • Proposals that use a fiscal agent or a pass-through organization
  • Proposals from public schools or school foundations.

Deadlines and Decisions

Your application to the foundation should be initiated with a telephone call or email to the executive director to discuss the proposed project.

For first time applicants, the executive director may wish to schedule a site visit.

Applications are considered quarterly. 2023 deadlines include:

  • February 1
  • May 1
  • August 1
  • November 1

Applications should be submitted with required attachments by 11:59 p.m. on the deadline date.

The board will meet on the following dates in 2023:

  • March 21
  • June 20
  • September 19
  • December 5

Organizations will be notified of the board’s decision shortly after the meeting.

Information Required

DOWNLOAD THE INSTRUCTIONS AS A PDF

Questions

You will be asked to answer the following questions:

  • Contact Information
  • Organization’s IRS Tax Identification Number
  • Amount Requested
  • What is the organization’s mission/vision statement?
  • Project Description including activity details, dates, venue, admission fees and attendance goals.
  • How will you promote/market the project?
  • How will Roberts Foundation support be recognized?
  • What is your organization’s definition of artistic excellence?
  • How does this project align with that definition, and how does it advance your mission?
  • How will your audience and the community benefit from this project?
  • How will the project be evaluated?

Attachments

You will be asked to attach the following documents:

  • Cover Letter – on organization letterhead with official address and signed by your executive director or board President
  • Board List
  • IRS 501(c)3 Determination Letter
  • Financial Statement or Audit
  • Previous Year Operational Budget
  • Current Year Operational Budget
  • Balance Sheet
  • Project Budget
  • Annual Report (if your organization produces one)
  • Strategic Plan (if your organization has one)
  • Final Report (if not yet submitted)

Items marked  are NOT required for current grantees applying for $5,000 or less. However, these applicants will be asked to detail any significant changes to the organization’s structure, leadership, board, strategic direction or mission.

Only applications submitted using our online application will be considered. Materials delivered, mailed or emailed to the foundation will not be considered.

Visual Artist
Compensation Policy

In keeping with its commitment to Excellence in the Arts, the foundation is establishing a Visual Artist Compensation Policy to ensure that visual artists are fairly compensated for their work as are artists in the other genres we fund. As of February 1, 2022, all applicant organizations must disclose how featured visual artists will be financially compensated.

In addition, the foundation will encourage applicant organizations to allocate Roberts’ funding towards visual artist compensation. We believe this policy will elevate the quality of work presented as well as the artistic experience for all.

The Roberts Foundation’s new Visual Artist Compensation Policy:

  • All living visual artists must be compensated as part of the venue’s program budget as submitted with the application. Roberts’ funding may not be used to compensate the estates or trusts of deceased artists.
  • Compensation will not be required for artists whose work has been previously purchased and is on loan for an exhibit from a museum or private collection.
  • Artists must be compensated regardless of the opportunity to sell their work.
  • A presenting venue may not consider expenses such as framing, shipping, insurance, posters, printed catalog, etc. as compensation. In addition, support services such as marketing, hospitality and hanging a show are not to be considered compensation.
  • As of 2022, Roberts will focus funding on professional visual artists and/or those with a documented history of producing the highest quality work. In keeping with our policy in regards to performing arts, we will not fund “beginners,” students or community projects.  Applications must include digital images of the artists’ work to be considered.
  • Roberts will not fund juried shows where artists must pay an entry fee to be considered.
  • This compensation policy does not extend to touring shows where the contractual arrangement predates application to the foundation. However, if the board believes that the artists in such a show are not being properly compensated or recognized, it may decide to not fund the exhibition.
  • As part of its application, The Roberts Foundation will ask if an organization has a visual artist compensation policy, and if so, to detail the policy.
  • If an artist voluntarily defers a fee or donate works for a Roberts-funded event, the foundation will require the organization to issue an official acknowledgement stating the appropriate value for the artist to use for tax purposes.
  • If an arts organization chooses not to compensate artists appropriately, the board may elect to decline their application. If an organization can demonstrate why it cannot accommodate appropriate compensation, the board may renegotiate the grant amount in order to fund appropriate artist compensation.
  • Appropriate compensation may vary between solo shows and group exhibitions. The foundation, at this time, will not specify an exact amount of compensation and will allow venues to determine fair and reasonable compensation commensurate with the artist’s experience, number of works on view, standing in the market, etc.

Application Procedures

01

Research

Please review our grant guidelines and procedures before submitting your application to ensure that your organization qualifies for funding. Review the list of application questions and the required attachments and be prepared to provide all of the information requested. Click here to print a PDF of the application questions and required attachments. 

 

02

Reporting Requirements

Complete and submit the post grant report form. You must attach the final budget to actuals for the project. After submitting your final report the system will generate a confirmation email with a code. This code is required to complete your application.

You may send playbills or other collateral material related to the project to our mailing address.

03

Application Form

Eligible organizations are invited to submit applications for the Excellence in the Arts Grants Program. Please review our guidelines and procedures  of each grant before submitting your application.

04

Review

After your application is reviewed for completeness, it will be evaluated by the board at its next quarterly board meeting. Organizations will be notified of the board’s decision shortly after the meeting.

 

01

Research

Please review our grant guidelines and procedures before submitting your application to ensure that your organization qualifies for funding. Review the list of application questions and the required attachments and be prepared to provide all of the information requested. Click here to print a PDF of the application questions and required attachments.

02

Reporting Requirements

Complete and submit the post grant report form. You must attach the final budget to actuals for the project. After submitting your final report the system will generate a confirmation email with a code. This code is required to complete your application.

You may send playbills or other collateral material related to the project to our mailing address.

03

Application Form

Eligible organizations are invited to submit applications for the Excellence in the Arts Grants Program. Please review our guidelines and procedures  of each grant before submitting your application.

04

Review Phase

After your application is reviewed for completeness, it will be evaluated by the board at its next quarterly board meeting. Organizations will be notified of the board’s decision shortly after the meeting.

Application Form

Because the foundation limits funding to 501(c)3 arts organizations located in specific communities in Hartford County, we ask that all applicants complete the following eligibility quiz before continuing.

Using the Save and Continue Function If you cannot complete the application in one session, you may save the form and return at a later date to finish it.

To save the form, click “Save and Continue Later.” This will generate a link that you can copy and save, or if you add your email address (recommended), the link will be emailed to you. This link will work for 30 days and will save your progress.

You may use the Save and Continue Later function only once. You must complete the application on your return visit.

Reporting Requirements

The purpose of the final report is to account for the use of the foundation’s funds and to provide the foundation with information as to the success of the project.

It is generally expected that organizations will execute and complete their Excellence in the Arts projects within 12 months of receipt of the grant. Upon completion of the project, a final report must be submitted. No further applications will be considered by the foundation until the project is completed and a final report has been submitted.

In addition to answering the questions in the reporting form below, you must attach the originally-proposed budget and actuals (revenue and expenses). You may send playbills, programs, brochures or other collateral material related to the project to our mailing address.

Grants Awarded

2022

 

2020

Artist Collective

$10,000

Funding to support the 2020 Jackie McLean Memorial Celebration

Ballet Theatre Company

$6,500

Funding to support Aladdin

Capital Classics

$8,000

Funding to support its annual Shakespeare production – As You Like It

Charter Oak Cultural Center

$8,000

Funding to support two children’s theater productions

Connecticut Chopin Competition

$6,000

Funding to support the 12th Annual Chopin International Piano Competition

Connecticut Choral Artists

$6,000

Funding to support the 2020/2021 Mainstage Concert Series

Connecticut Guitar Society

$5,500

Funding to support 2020/2021 Women and Their Guitar Concert Series

Connecticut Historical Society

$3,600

Funding to support Offrenda video for Dia de los Mertos

Connecticut Summerfest

$5,000

Funding to support the International Contemporary Ensemble residency

Connecticut Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra

$10,000

Funding to support the 2020/2021 Performance Season

CREC/Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts

$5,000

Funding to support the 2020 Choreographers’ Showcase

Elizabeth Park Conservancy

$3,500

Funding to support two summer concerts

First Night Hartford

$12,500

Funding to support artist performances

Free Center

$8,300

Funding to support virtualization info sessions and workshops

Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz, Inc.

$20,000

Funding to support the 2020 Jazz Festival

Hartford Chorale

$12,500

Funding to support Handel’s Messiah! concert

Hartford Jazz Society

$7,500

Funding to support the 2020 Paul Brown Monday Night Jazz Series

Hartford Opera Theater

$5,000

Funding to support New in November

Hartford Performs

$10,000

Funding to support 2020/2021 Education Programs

Hartford Stage

$25,000

Funding to support 2021 production

Hartford Symphony Orchestra

$25,000

Funding to support the 2020/2021 Masterworks Season

Judy Dworin Performance Project

$9,000

Funding to support Colorfields Dance Performance at NBMAA

Music at the Red Door

$2,500

Funding to support the 2020/2021 Concert Season

New Britain Museum of American Art

$15,000

Funding to support Some Day Is Now: Women, Art & Social Change exhibition

New Britain Symphony Orchestra

$5,000

Funding to support the Spring Main Stage Concert

Night Fall

$10,000

Funding to support 2020 Night Fall production

Out Film Festival

$3,000

Funding to support the 2020 CT LGBTQ Film Festival

Rise Up Group

$6,500

Funding to support a Hartford Pop Up Mural Day

Riverfront Recapture

$7,500

Funding to support the 2020 Hartbeat Festival

The Children’s Museum

$6,000

Funding to support Cellobration!

TheaterWorks

$25,000

Funding to support the 2021 summer production

University of St. Joseph

$13,500

Funding to support Let’s Dance:  A Season of Celebrating Dance & Movement

Wadsworth Atheneum

$20,000

Funding to support Diversity, Equity, Accessibility and Inclusion Training

West Hartford Art League

$8,000

Funding to support Bus Shelter Murals

Windsor Art Center

$4,000

Funding to support 80 @ 80:  The Artwork of Phyllis Small

Hill-Stead Museum

$30,000

Funding to support Bringing Art to Life Capital Campaign

2021

Artists Collective

$10,000

Funding to support the 2021 Jackie McLean Memorial Celebration

Ballet Theatre Company

$10,000

Funding to support The Nutcracker

Capital Classics

$8,000

Funding to support the 2021 Greater Hartford Shakespeare Festival

Connecticut Chopin Competition

$8,000

Funding to support the 13th Annual Chopin International Piano Competition

Connecticut Choral Artists

$10,000

Funding to support The Hebrew Prayer in B Minor

Connecticut Historical Society

$3,100

Funding to support for Dia de los Mertos performances

Connecticut Summerfest

$5,000

Funding to support the Kinsmen Sound Studio Production Support

Connecticut Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra

$12,000

Funding to support the 2021/2022 Performance Season

Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz, Inc.

$20,000

Funding to support the 2021 Jazz Festival

Harriet Beecher Stowe Center

$7,500

Funding to support Judy Dworin’s presentation of Emergence

Hartford Jazz Society

$7,500

Funding to support the 2021 Paul Brown Monday Night Jazz Series

Hartford Performs

$10,000

Funding to support 2021/2022 Education Programs/Artists of Color

Hartford Stage

$25,000

Funding to support Angry, Raucous and Shamelessly Gorgeous

Hartford Symphony Orchestra

$25,000

Funding to support the 2021/2022 Masterworks Season

Music at the Red Door

$3,500

Funding to support the 2021/2022 Concert Season

New Britain Museum of American Art

$20,000

Funding to support 30 Americans exhibition

Night Fall

$10,000

Funding to support 2021 Night Fall production

Out Film Festival

$5,000

Funding to support the 2021 CT LGBTQ Film Festival

Playhouse Theatre Group

$10,000

Funding to support the 2021 Connecticut Shakespeare Festival

Real Art Ways

$15,000

Funding to support The Real Awards and Exhibitions

Revisionist Content Fund

$12,500

Funding to support Surround Space art installation

Rise Up Group

$7,500

Funding to support Asylum Avenue Mural

Riverfront Recapture

$7,500

Funding to support the 2021 Hartbeat Festival

The Bushnell Performing Arts Center

$7,500

Funding to support Jazzicians

TheaterWorks

$25,000

Funding to support Zoeys Perfect Wedding

Times Fool Company

$2,500

Funding to support Romeo and Juliet

University of Hartford/Hartford Art School

$10,000

Funding to support African American Art History Course

Women Composers Festival of Hartford

$8,000

Funding to support 2022 Women Composers Festival of Hartford

Hill-Stead Museum

$40,000

Funding to support Bringing Art to Life Capital Campaign – final installment

2019

Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival

$3,500

Funding to support the 22nd annual Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival

Ballet Theatre Company

$7,500

Funding to support Sleeping Beauty

Bushnell Center for Performing Arts

$7,500

Funding to support the Jazzicians program

Bushnell Park Foundation

$10,000

Funding to support the restoration of the Israel Putnam Statue

Capital Classics

$8,000

Funding to support its annual Shakespeare production – Merry Wives of Windsor

Charter Oak Cultural Center

$8,000

Funding to support two children’s theater productions

CitySingers of Hartford

$4,000

Funding to support the 2019/2020 Concert Season

Connecticut Ballet

$7,500

Funding to support the 2019 Bushnell Performance

Connecticut Blues Society

$10,000

Funding to support 2019 Guitar Under the Stars

Connecticut Chopin Competition

$10,000

Funding to support the 11th Annual Chopin International Piano Competition

Connecticut Choral Artists 

$7,500

Funding to support the 2019/2020 Great Performances Concert Series

Connecticut Guitar Society

$5,500

Funding to support 2019/2020 Guitar Masters Series

Connecticut Summerfest

$5,000

Funding to support the Quince Ensemble Residency

Connecticut Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra

$10,000

Funding to support the 2019/2020 Concert & Opera Season

CREC/Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts

$5,000

Funding to support the 2019 Choreographers’ Showcase

Cuatro Puntos

$2,600

Funding to support the Sounds of Persia concert

First Night Hartford

$12,500

Funding to support two Nat Reeves performances

Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz, Inc.

$20,000

Funding to support the 2019 Jazz Festival

Hartford Chorale

$7,500

Funding to support Christmas in the Americas concert

Hartford Independent Chamber Orchestra

$4,500

Funding to support the Hartt Connections 2 concert

Hartford Jazz Society

$7,500

Funding to support the 2019 Paul Brown Monday Night Jazz Series

Hartford Opera Theater.

$5,000

Funding to support New in November

Hartford Performs

$10,000

Funding to support 2019/2020 Education Programs

Hartford Public Library

$6,000

Funding to support three 2019 ArtWalk Exhibitions

Hartford Stage

$30,000

Funding to support Quixote Nuevo and Community Outreach Programs

Hartford Symphony Orchestra

$25,000

Funding to support the 2019/2020 Masterworks Season

Judy Dworin Performance Project

$7,500

Funding to support She Speaks Her Peace

Music at the Red Door

$2,500

Funding to support the 2019/2020 Concert Series

New Britain Museum of American Art

$15,000

Funding to support The Beyond: Georgia O’Keeffe and Contemporary Artists exhibition

Night Fall

$7,500

Funding to support 2019 Night Fall production

Playhouse Theatre Group

$10,000

Funding to support the 2019/2020 Main Stage season

Riverfront Recapture

$7,500

Funding to support Hartbeat Festival

Sonia Plumb Dance Company

$7,500

Funding to support its production of Penelope’s Odyssey

TheaterWorks

$25,000

Funding to support the production of Fun Home

Trinity College

$7,500

Funding to support Alwin Nikolais: A Touchstone for Creativity

University of St. Joseph

$12,000

Funding to support Where Are the Women? exhibition

Windsor Art Center

$3,000

Funding to support Self Preservation: An Artist’s Selfe exhibition

Women Composers Festival of Hartford

$5,000

Funding to support the 2019 Women Composer Festival