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 2024 awards are only accepted from February 1 – March 4, 2024.
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.
Through the generosity of a Westport family, who wishes to remain anonymous, the Cultural Gift Fund was established in the fall of 2023. Their hope is other individuals and families with join them to grow the fund to the benefit of our community.