The WCC Community Grants program is made possible by the Helen E Ellis Charitable Trust, administered by the Bank of America, and the Westport Cultural Gift Fund, administered by the Westport Cultural Council.
The Westport Cultural Council will give priority to grant requests that:
- Directly involve the arts, interpretive science or humanities.
- Take place on the South Coast or promote local creative talent or cultural resources.
- Have a measurable impact on the Westport community, by reaching a significant number of Westport residents, whether immediately, or over time.
- Engage, and help bring together, Westport’s varied communities, or introduce Westport residents to new or different cultural perspectives.
- Do not duplicate existing programs or funding.
Proposal submissions for the 2026 awards will be open in early 2026. Please reach out with any questions you may have in anticipation of submitting a proposal.
Request A Grant Application
Benefactors
Helen E Ellis Charitable Trust
Administered by the Bank of America
Helen Ellis – an artist and a dedicated educator – was a Westport resident for over 50 years. Her naturalistic woodcarvings have been displayed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Following her death in 1978, the proceeds from her estate were used to establish the Helen E Ellis Charitable Trust. Since 1992, the Trust has been supporting Ms. Ellis’ dream of inspiring others to develop their creative talents, by providing funding for the Westport Cultural Council to award projects benefitting Westport residents.
The Carol Vidal Cultural Fund is named in honor of the WCC’s former Chair, long-time council member, and community volunteer. The fund was established through the generosity of a Westport family and relies on our community’s generosity to achieve its goals. The WCC receives no funding from the Town of Westport.
Please join in supporting the WCC and its mission to foster quality cultural programs that bring our community together to create, share, and inspire.