Manchester Seeks Applications For 2026 Community Project, Event Fund

MANCHESTER, CT — Manchester is accepting applications for its 2026 Community Project & Event Fund, a program aimed at supporting local grassroots and nonprofit groups planning public cultural events and projects.

According to the announcement published Feb. 27, the fund is intended to support “local grassroots and non-profit organizations and their cultural projects, programs, celebrations, and commemorations.” The town’s Neighborhoods and Families Division is requesting proposals for funding opportunities of up to $1,000 per application from Manchester-based nonprofit groups, clubs and organizations.

Eligible applicants must be planning a project, program or celebration that is accessible to the public, culturally inclusive and fits within one of three categories listed in the announcement. Those categories are Community Cultural Events, Commemorative Projects, or Arts and Culture Initiatives.

The announcement states that priority will be given to programs and projects that will be held at Eastside Plaza. No additional scoring criteria or funding totals were included in the published notice.

Applications are due by Sunday, April 19, at 11:59 p.m., according to the announcement. The notice does not describe when awards will be announced or when funded projects would take place.

The fund is positioned as a way to help local organizations bring community-facing cultural programming to Manchester. Because the eligibility rules require projects to be open to the public and culturally inclusive, the grant opportunity is geared toward events and programs with a broad community reach.

Groups interested in applying can seek more information from Recreation Supervisor McKenna Cheverier, whose contact was provided in the notice. The published announcement does not include further details about the application process beyond the deadline, eligibility requirements and funding cap.

The Community Project & Event Fund 2026 notice was published Feb. 27. Manchester-based organizations considering an application have until April 19 to submit a proposal for up to $1,000 in support.